Northumberland and Durham Rock Art Project
What is the Rock Art Project?
Thousands of prehistoric rock carvings are known in many parts of Britain and Ireland, and they are an important part of our prehistoric heritage. However, the rock art is one of the more mysterious aspects of the historic environment and we know very little about what it may have meant to the people who created it.The carvings are concentrated mainly in northern England, Scotland and Ireland. Certain areas have a more complete record of the rock art than others. Over a thousand rock art panels in Durham and Northumberland, for example, where the enthusiasm of local groups and individuals has been essential in identifying and recording engravings.
Nationally, however, rock art remains one of the more neglected aspects of British archaeology. In 2000, the Rock Art Pilot Project (RAPP) report, commissioned by English Heritage, concluded that not only is British rock art undervalued and understudied, it is also is under considerable threat and may be disappearing at an alarming rate. This report stressed the urgent need for systematic documentation of the engravings across Britain as a crucial first step towards improving protection, access and understanding.
The Rock Art Project began in 2004 and is due for completion in December 2007 with the database being available in early 2008 and is a project based in Northumberland and Durham which will build on the extensive work already completed in Northumberland. The core aims of the project were to:
- Test a range of recording and surveying techniques and develop the most appropriate package for documenting rock art in this region.
- Systematically document rock art sites in Co Durham using a standardised recording method.
- Develop a specific rock art database into which all new and existing rock art records for Northumberland and Co Durham will be entered. This will form the basis of a national rock art index.
- Develop ways in which this work can be carried out by local groups and individuals.
- Raise awareness of rock art more generally and encourage improved physical and intellectual access.
- Develop guidance on sustainable management and conservation.
- Make recommendations for extending this work to all regions of the country.
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