6th December 2005, 01:06 PM
The short answer is that the site has been discovered, finds to date having proven what it is.. it should now be protected.
However, you need to look at the way it is to protected...whats the point in stopping detecting if the site is still under cultivation...would it not be best to work with the detectorists in 'rescuing' any artefacts that are being disturbed by the ploughing etc...
My first question is, has anyone yet tried talkling to the detectorists directly?
I dont mean in a confrontational or moralistic way (not suggesting that you would), but could you not try appealing to them by highlighting the fact that they have done a great job in helping to prove the existance of this important site, their efforts in recording the finds have been commendable, but could they possibly help in now protecting the site....
From a personal point of view I would be not only proud that I not only had a hand in discovering the site and in then conserving it, but alo and this is the important bit, that my part in its story was recognised as such.
I do think that there is an excellent opportunity here to plan a course of action for this site, to not only to help conserve what is there but to also provide a model of cooperation.... make this a good experience, word will get round and you will have sown an acorn..
Just a thought..
However, you need to look at the way it is to protected...whats the point in stopping detecting if the site is still under cultivation...would it not be best to work with the detectorists in 'rescuing' any artefacts that are being disturbed by the ploughing etc...
My first question is, has anyone yet tried talkling to the detectorists directly?
I dont mean in a confrontational or moralistic way (not suggesting that you would), but could you not try appealing to them by highlighting the fact that they have done a great job in helping to prove the existance of this important site, their efforts in recording the finds have been commendable, but could they possibly help in now protecting the site....
From a personal point of view I would be not only proud that I not only had a hand in discovering the site and in then conserving it, but alo and this is the important bit, that my part in its story was recognised as such.
I do think that there is an excellent opportunity here to plan a course of action for this site, to not only to help conserve what is there but to also provide a model of cooperation.... make this a good experience, word will get round and you will have sown an acorn..
Just a thought..