D&G Heritage members hear about the Lochbrow Landscape Project

D&G Heritage members were recently privileged to hear a fascinating presentation about the Lochbrow Landscape Project by Kirsty Millican from Historic Environment Scotland. The final meeting of 2024 for the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society (D&G Heritage) was held both in person at The Bridge in Dumfries and online via Zoom on Friday, December 6.

Kirsty Millican, who serves as a senior designations officer at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), shared insights in her talk titled “The Lochbrow Landscape Project – A Hidden Archaeology”. Despite being carried out in her spare time, the project shed light on the importance of crop marks in identifying archaeological sites. These marks, visible through aerial photography in dry weather conditions, indicate hidden archaeological artifacts underneath the ground that affect crop growth.

Located near Johnstonebridge beside the River Annan, Lochbrow initially appeared as normal grassy meadows. However, an aerial survey in the 1980s revealed intriguing crop marks, prompting Kirsty’s further investigation into the site. The survey uncovered various archaeological remains in two fields, including post holes indicating a cursus, circular structures suggesting burial monuments, and evidence of palisaded enclosures hinting at dwellings and ceremonial sites.

Due to the site being private land, excavation was not feasible. Instead, geophysical methods such as magnetometry and resistance measurements were used to map out the structures below the surface. The study also highlighted the presence of a disused stream bed, indicating the historical landscape’s marshy areas and elevated plateaus.

Kirsty’s work exemplifies how archaeologists can unravel the mysteries of ancient sites without physical excavation, underscoring the significance of crop marks in archaeological studies. The upcoming D&G Heritage meeting on January 17 will feature a talk by Liam Templeton on the Coastal Treasures of the Eastern Solway, allowing members to delve further into fascinating historical projects.

In conclusion, the Lochbrow Landscape Project illuminates the rich history and archaeological potential hidden within seemingly ordinary landscapes, showcasing the invaluable contributions of dedicated researchers like Kirsty Millican in preserving our heritage for future generations.