LiDAR and Wyre Forest Landscape - Unravelling the Past!

 

A pioneering new project aims to reveal the archaeological treasures hidden in the Wyre Forest area, by using laser beams shone from the sky to ‘see through’ the trees. The new laser technology will help us all to uncover everything from ancient settlements, fortifications, farms and any other signs of human activity which, especially in woodland, are often difficult to detect from the ground or the air with the naked eye.

Scientists from the Forestry Commission’s Forest Research agency have teamed up with the Worcestershire Historic Environment & Archaeology Service, as partners in the Grow with Wyre scheme. We are using innovative aerial survey techniques, known as LiDAR (Light, Detection & Ranging).  LiDAR uses pulses of harmless laser energy beamed down from aircraft flying about 1000 metres (3300 feet) up.

The team’s initial work and future plans for the project were unveiled at a special public seminar, which was held at Worcester University in January 2008.

The project is part of the ‘Grow With Wyre’ Landscape Partnerships Scheme, which aims to restore this beautiful landscape to the west of Birmingham. Project Manager Gail Atkinson says:

“Local history enthusiasts and lovers of the outdoors alike had the first chance to learn more about this exciting new project at the event. Over 70 delegates attended the evening and there was a lively debate after the presentations. Our team of experts discussed the break-through aerial survey techniques being used to unravel the complex landscape history, and features that have already started to emerge in the Wyre Forest landscape.”

The Wyre Forest LiDAR project has been made possible thanks to funding and support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and also SITA Trust and GrantScape.

Tim Yarnell, Historic Environment Advisor for Forestry Commission England, said:

“LiDAR technology gives us a wonderful opportunity to discover or rediscover sites of ancient human activity and, where appropriate, take steps to look after them and perhaps promote them to the public as places where they can learn more about our ancestors and their rich history.  It can open up a whole new world to archaeology.”

Foresters can also use LiDAR to accurately map forests in a way that distinguishes trees of different heights and ages.  It can also inform harvesting plans, show up forest tracks, drainage ditches, timber extraction routes and many other features. This information can be visualised in three dimensions to improve forest management activities, including tree planting and the construction of walking trails.

Adam Mindykowski, Historic Environment Countryside Adviser for the Worcestershire Historic Environment & Archaeology Service, said:

“The Forestry Commission LiDAR survey provides an unprecedented insight into the historic landscape of Wyre Forest and its hinterland. Early results offer a tantalising glimpse of a continually evolving, diverse and dynamic landscape. The final results will provide a vital feed into the management of Wyre, its interpretation and will establish a nationally significant standard for delivering landscape-scale benefits to the historic environment.”

The Wyre Forest LiDAR project is part of the ‘Understanding the Past and Informing the Future’ initiative, part of The ‘Grow With Wyre’ Landscape Partnerships Scheme.  Grow With Wyre involves many local organisations and local specialist groups who will help to deliver 22 very varied projects over the next four years. 

We are at the start of an exciting process, scratching away the canopy of the forest to reveal hidden heritage features beneath.