Zoom lecture: Ceri Rutter. The Forestry Commisision: Planting the Future...Preserving the Past

“The Forestry Commission: Planting the Future, Preserving the Past. Managing archaeology and historic landscapes in Cornwall’s woodlands.”

Cornwall’s woodlands are home to a remarkable archaeological record – preserving evidence of prehistoric settlement, medieval farming, mining, charcoal burning, and centuries of woodland management. This talk will explore how these historic landscapes have survived and can be managed beneath the canopy, and the opportunities and challenges presented by new woodland creation. Drawing on examples from across Cornwall, it will examine how archaeologists and foresters can work together to ensure that planting trees for the future also respects and conserves the county’s rich and varied heritage, ensuring that tomorrow’s woodland continues to tell stories of Cornwall’s past.

Ceri started out as a field archaeologist before pursuing specialisms in cultural landscape management and GIS applications in archaeology. She built on this experience as a GIS specialist on a variety of heritage, environment and landscape projects for environment and planning consultancies, and went on to lead the Mapping Team at Historic England. Her interests in heritage and the natural environment are combined in her current role as the SW Historic Environment Adviser for the Forestry Commission.