Wetland Futures in Contested Environments: an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to wetland heritage in the Netherlands, United Kingdom and Ireland
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Bradford
Department Name: Faculty of Life Sciences
Abstract
Wetland environments are amongst the most dynamic landscape types in Europe, experiencing change from climatic, demographic, economic and political influences. They have also been an area of human utilisation and exploitation for millennia, resulting in an incredible richness and diversity of tangible and intangible heritage. Wetlands across Europe, and around the world, are actively undergoing rapid change and development, but there are no tailor-made or
proactive studies to identify the impacts of change on the heritage contained within wetlands. The proposed project focusses on key wetland environments in Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to act as test cases for the identification of active and passive changes in those regions, and to identify ways in which the heritage of wetlands can contribute to contemporary social challenges. Through a combination of ethnographic survey, literature review, map regression analysis, remote survey and public and stakeholder interaction, the research will identify changing perceptions of wetland heritage, changing attitudes towards wetland utilization, and changing physical conditions within the environments which may influence the longer term survival of wetland heritage. Recent years have seen the potential role of wetlands as valuable ecoservices systems in terms of water management, flood alleviation, and carbon sequestration. This drive can often occur in direct conflict with local populace perceptions of heritage and access to wetland resources. Negotiating and reconciling the rights and perceptions of the local, national and international populace is one of the key aspects that will be addressed within the proposed research programme.
proactive studies to identify the impacts of change on the heritage contained within wetlands. The proposed project focusses on key wetland environments in Ireland, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom to act as test cases for the identification of active and passive changes in those regions, and to identify ways in which the heritage of wetlands can contribute to contemporary social challenges. Through a combination of ethnographic survey, literature review, map regression analysis, remote survey and public and stakeholder interaction, the research will identify changing perceptions of wetland heritage, changing attitudes towards wetland utilization, and changing physical conditions within the environments which may influence the longer term survival of wetland heritage. Recent years have seen the potential role of wetlands as valuable ecoservices systems in terms of water management, flood alleviation, and carbon sequestration. This drive can often occur in direct conflict with local populace perceptions of heritage and access to wetland resources. Negotiating and reconciling the rights and perceptions of the local, national and international populace is one of the key aspects that will be addressed within the proposed research programme.
Planned Impact
The proposed project has the potential for significant impact across the three countries of study across the full range of stakeholder groups and on associated diverse agendas and issues. The relevance of the research can be defined in terms of the outputs from the specific case studies, through to associated implications for heritage policy, practice, interfaces and disciplinary approaches and perspectives at national and international levels. In addition, we anticipate relevance for academic practice and research in terms of defining new agendas and methodologies for interdisciplinary research into wetland heritage issues.
At the level of the case studies, the project will act to raise the profile of heritage with local communities as well as the general public through the designated engagement events and mechanisms. These are designed to impact on all sectors of society through the bespoke outputs
including 'traditional' through to digital engagement via various forms of social media. The nuanced definition of heritage adopted for this project and the innovative framework for analysing how 'heritage' is constructed in different ways allows for an inclusive focus involving different demographics and nationalities in the overall process. The direct relevance will be enhanced by the problem oriented approach adopted that recognises and characterises the contested nature of certain landscapes and associated definitions of heritage. The engagement activities are also designed to communicate the role that heritage can play in terms of understanding trajectories of environmental and social change, in terms of issues concerning sustainability and 'wise use' of wetlands. This is intended to be a major societal legacy for the communities in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK, and will act as case studies for future development and promotion of the active role of heritage within the context of the different direct and indirect threats to the resource. In particular, communication of the intimate connection between the future conservation and management of ecosystems and the protection and survival of heritage in its diverse forms. For some of the case studies, such as the Irish midlands, physical heritage in the form of archaeological sites will inevitably be lost but the value of preserving those elements of culture and society that will form heritage futures can be addressed. The project will aim to empower local communities to take their own direction in these matters.
The involvement of the associate partners is intended to have impact and relevance beyond the immediate constraints of the planned project. The lasting legacy will be in the form of new partnerships that will outlast the duration of the project; these are envisaged to include a range
of stakeholders, consisting of the local community through to curatorial and heritage managers. The 'high level' direct outputs, in the form of guidance and information for policy makers and stakeholders will be designed to feed into frameworks and approaches to cultural heritage management for wetland environments, taking account of specific national contexts. Assigning an economic value to such information (for example, 'cultural services' in the context of the ecosystem services framework) is, at present, highly problematic. However, the project will enable formal comparisons of the varying national and regional perceptions of wetland cultural heritage, comparing and contrasting the current threats and future prognosis for the protection and long-term survival of various heritage assets. This foundation will lead to an improved ability to valorise cultural heritage assets within wetland environments, and to comprehend how such assets may best be managed with regard to variations in local, regional, national and international perceptions.
At the level of the case studies, the project will act to raise the profile of heritage with local communities as well as the general public through the designated engagement events and mechanisms. These are designed to impact on all sectors of society through the bespoke outputs
including 'traditional' through to digital engagement via various forms of social media. The nuanced definition of heritage adopted for this project and the innovative framework for analysing how 'heritage' is constructed in different ways allows for an inclusive focus involving different demographics and nationalities in the overall process. The direct relevance will be enhanced by the problem oriented approach adopted that recognises and characterises the contested nature of certain landscapes and associated definitions of heritage. The engagement activities are also designed to communicate the role that heritage can play in terms of understanding trajectories of environmental and social change, in terms of issues concerning sustainability and 'wise use' of wetlands. This is intended to be a major societal legacy for the communities in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK, and will act as case studies for future development and promotion of the active role of heritage within the context of the different direct and indirect threats to the resource. In particular, communication of the intimate connection between the future conservation and management of ecosystems and the protection and survival of heritage in its diverse forms. For some of the case studies, such as the Irish midlands, physical heritage in the form of archaeological sites will inevitably be lost but the value of preserving those elements of culture and society that will form heritage futures can be addressed. The project will aim to empower local communities to take their own direction in these matters.
The involvement of the associate partners is intended to have impact and relevance beyond the immediate constraints of the planned project. The lasting legacy will be in the form of new partnerships that will outlast the duration of the project; these are envisaged to include a range
of stakeholders, consisting of the local community through to curatorial and heritage managers. The 'high level' direct outputs, in the form of guidance and information for policy makers and stakeholders will be designed to feed into frameworks and approaches to cultural heritage management for wetland environments, taking account of specific national contexts. Assigning an economic value to such information (for example, 'cultural services' in the context of the ecosystem services framework) is, at present, highly problematic. However, the project will enable formal comparisons of the varying national and regional perceptions of wetland cultural heritage, comparing and contrasting the current threats and future prognosis for the protection and long-term survival of various heritage assets. This foundation will lead to an improved ability to valorise cultural heritage assets within wetland environments, and to comprehend how such assets may best be managed with regard to variations in local, regional, national and international perceptions.
Publications
Flint A
(2021)
The role of cultural heritage in visitor narratives of peatlands: analysis of online user-generated reviews from three peatland sites in England
in International Journal of Heritage Studies
Flint A
(2023)
Poetry, paths, and peatlands: integrating poetic inquiry within landscape heritage research
in Landscape Research
Flint A
(2020)
Saturated with meaning: peatlands, heritage and folklore
in Time and Mind
Title | Art & Archaeology |
Description | Aerial dance production on Ilkley Moor - Cow & Calf - exploring ideas of time depth from peatlands |
Type Of Art | Performance (Music, Dance, Drama, etc) |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Impact | ongoing collaboration workshop on the moor to encourage people into arial dance activities |
Title | Saturated with Stories |
Description | A research poem discussing aspects of Ilkley Moor and intangible heritage |
Type Of Art | Composition/Score |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Impact | requests for further information |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1VlbEuVJOI |
Description | The research has shown how people value wetlands and heritage contained in wetland environments, and how that value can vary by location (upland / lowland). The research has also developed the use of poetry as a research methodology to aid in bringing peoples thoughts and engagement to academic work. |
Exploitation Route | Outcomes of this funding are the creation of a model of wetland engagement and heritage which can be used in planning activities for professionals working within wetland and peatland locations to engage public audiences. |
Sectors | Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
Description | Outputs have been incorporated within UK government policy - Scoping Culture and Heritage https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scoping-culture-and-heritage-capital-report |
First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
Sector | Government, Democracy and Justice,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
Impact Types | Policy & public services |
Description | Culture Heritage Capital scoping report |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
URL | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scoping-culture-and-heritage-capital-report |
Description | RIEDA Grant |
Amount | £9,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | University of Bradford |
Sector | Academic/University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 05/2023 |
End | 11/2024 |
Description | Art & Archaeology |
Organisation | University of Bradford |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | contribution of archaeology and archaeological science understanding & direction |
Collaborator Contribution | contribution of artistic input and direction to the research collaboration |
Impact | Art and Archaeology - aerial dance event, linking with aerial dance artist Vince Virr (independent contractor) to see how archaeology and art can collaborate to provide alternative means of presentation of information. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Collaboration with Bradford Metropolitan District Council - Dalesway link |
Organisation | Bradford Metropolitan District Council |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | Collaboration with Bradford Metropolitan District Council on digital recording and presentation of heritage assets on designated footpath - Dalesway Link - from Bradford City Centre to Dalesway start, Ilkley, including Ilkley Moor. Also covers survey of Ilkley Moor for erosion monitoring/ |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution of partners through support and guidance of ArcGIS online & Experience Builder, provision of funds for equipment purchase. |
Impact | Output - online webpage for walk guidance - in process of development |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | 'Virtual field tour - Ilkley Moor: archaeology and contemporary heritage', online field trip as part of CBA Festival of Archaeology, 21st July 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Open presentation as part of CBA festival of archaeology, discussing heritage of Ilkley moor from a Wetland Futures perspective. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ilkley-moor-archaeology-and-contemporary-heritage-tickets-15452572560... |
Description | 'Wetland futures in contested environments: insights from Ilkley Moor'. Guest Lecture Series, University of Bradford, 27th April 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Open lecture summarizing Wetland Futures in contested envrionments research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1BN_Oa-Uuo |
Description | AEA conference in Glasgow |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | presentation at the AEA conference in Glasgow on using poetic inquiry with examples from Wetland Futures |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Aerial Dance workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Collaboration with aerial Dance Artist, Vince Virr, exploring artistic means of presenting heritage of peatlands. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Aerial dance - bradford college |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Dance workshop with Vince Virr at Bradford College - exploring themes of archaeology, landscape, time, epth |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | BCB Research Matter |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | BCB Research Matters broadcast, general discussion of wet futures project, archaeology, and heritage from peatlands. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | Cafe Scientifique University of Bradford |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Cafe Scientifique presentation, Jan 2020, open public audience, broad discussion after after presentation of archaeology from peatland environments, and peatland conservation, and protection |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
Description | EAA conference presentation - user generated reviews as a research method in landscape archaeology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Conference presentation at 2021 european association of archaeologists annual meeting |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Europarc Webinar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Webinar based on peatland heritage, communicating aspects of Wet Futures research, and wider archaeological resources from peatlands. Inspired discussions around management after the presentation section of the webinar. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk/the-latest/recent-news/moorlife-2020/the-heritage-of-peatlands-... |
Description | IUCN UK Peatland conference 20202 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | IUCN UK Peatland Programme annual conference, virtual field trip of Ilkley Moor, web based conference, audience discussion after presentation around forms of heritage in peatlands, and what to do if encounter archaeological remains |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | https://www.iucn-uk-peatlandprogramme.org/peatconf20-day-3 |
Description | Open day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Open day event with output posters of poetry displayed for public audience |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Peatland Heritage lecture - seminar |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Lecture & seminar based on concept of heritage in wetland environments, and the values of such environments |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Presentation - Newcastle University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Open presentation to Newcastle University guest lecture series. Attendance online line and in room, totalling c. 50 individuals. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Rhyme and Research: poetry and archaeology in conversation', online workshop as part of CBA Festival of Archaeology, 20th July 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Poetic research methodology workshop, as part of CBA festival of archaeology 2021. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rhyme-and-research-archaeology-and-poetry-in-conversation-tickets-160... |
Description | World Soil Museum - Peatland Exchange presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | presentation for the World Soil Museum as part of their Peatland Exchange series Peatland Exchange recordings now available from World Soil Museum | ISRIC |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2022 |
Description | wetland heritage lecture & seminar 2022 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Lecture & seminar discussing wetland heritage and the value of peatland environments |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |