NEARLY 200 of the 839 ancient monuments in the North York Moors National Park have been labelled as being at “high risk”.
And a report by the park’s archaeologist, Graham Lee, reveals that a further 135 are at medium risk and 506 at low risk.
He said a business plan had been drawn up in conjuction with English Heritage and the Park authority to “rescue” the structures which range from landmark stone crosses and cairns on the loneliest parts of the vast moors – used as markers by pilgrims and walkers for centuries – to historic farmsteads and houses.
Mr Lee, said the park had set a target of 25 rescues between 2009 and 2012, and had now increased it to 40.
Teams of archaeological volunteers have carried out surveys to assess the state of the buildings.
About £40,000 is being spent each year for the next two years, funded by English Heritage and the Landscape Intervention Fund to provide grants.
Work on the buildings has included spraying of bracken, in partnership with the National Trust and Forestry Commission.
In addition to tackling the spread of bracken, action is also being taken to control gorse and clear self-growing trees.
“This year a further 18 monuments have been identified as being at risk,” said Mr Lee.
As a result, work is under way on 10 monuments. The severe winter last year, and difficulty in reaching legal agreements with some landowners, significantly delayed the start of fieldwork on the sites, In the past year 50 sites have been rescued, added Mr Lee.
Source: Gazette & Herald [October 20, 2010]