Scott White and Hookins LLP Fountain House 26 St John’s Street Bradgate Park Bedford Bedfordshire Geological Heritage Protection Works MK42 0AQ
Feasibility Study T +44 (0)1234 213111 F +44 (0)1234 213333 [email protected] February 2014
Prepared by: ...... Jason Daniels BEng(Hons) CEng MICE MIStructE
Reviewed by: ...... Neil Dodds BA (Hons) MSc CEng MICE MIStructE
London Bedford Winchester
Contents
1.0 Introduction 2.0 Stakeholders 3.0 Existing Approaches 4.0 Options Considered 5.0 Concept Proposals 6.0 Access and Construction 7.0 Estimated Costs
Appendix A – Preliminary Concept Plans and Visualisation Appendix B - Final Concept Plans and Visualisation
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Sco tt White and Hookins LLP were instructed by the Bradgate Trust to undertake a feasibility study relating to the protection of Memorial Crags located within Bradgate Park, Leicestershire. The outcome of the report is to review possible solutions to protect the Memorial Crags and from this develop two detailed design concepts.
Location Plan
Site Plan
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1.2 Bradgate Park is located approximately 6 miles from Leicester and has around 900,000 visitors per year. A plan showing the location of the site is provided in Fig xx. Photographs showing the exposed Memorial Crags are given in Fig xx. Aerial View of Memorial Crags Location Fig xx
Aerial View of Memorial Crags Location
Overview on Memorial Craigs
1.3 Within the park , nationally and internationally important geology is present , and this is exposed in a number of locations. The exposed geology is a notified Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Memorial Crags form one of the notified geological features. At this site the exposed flat bedding plane has suffered from vandalism in the form of inscribed incised graffiti and malicious damage by removal of geological specimens.
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Damage to Crags
1.4 Historically, casual protection of the geology has relied on maintaining some level of secrecy about the site. However with the advent of modern forms of communication, information about the site and its relevance is easy to obtain and therefore increases the threat of removal of the geological specimens. More recently Bradgate Park trust has installed temporary fencing and signage in order to raise awareness and to deter casual vandalism. It is recognised that these are temporary measures and are unlikely to deter determined attempts to damage or deface the Crags.
As a result of the damage and in order to protect the finite geology present a more robust measure of protection is deemed necessary. This report explores existing approaches used at other heritage sites, current technologies that could be employed and makes recommendations on possible solutions. The aims of this report are as follows:
• Briefly review existing approaches used to protect heritage elsewhere and compare the applicability of these approaches to the Memorial Crags site. • Review options available for protecting the geology considering visual impact, access. • Develop concept proposals outlining benefits and limitations and provide images to allow third party approval. • Discuss implementation of proposals and costs.
1.5 This report is for the private and confidential use of the Bradgate Trust. This report cannot be copied in whole or in part without the written permission of Scott White and Hookins LLP.
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2.0 Stakehol ders
2.1 The Bradgate Park Trust
The Bradgate Park Trust is a charitable organisation and is the main stakeholder responsible for the running and maintenance of the park. For this project they are the effective landowners and client for this project
Bradgate Park Trust, Estate Office, Deer Barn Buildings, Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford, Leicestershire, LE6 0HE
Contact: Peter Tyldesley Phone: 0116 236 2713 Email: [email protected]
Natural England
Natural England is the government’s advisor on the natural environment. Natural England are responsible for managing and notifying Sites of Special scientific Interest (SSSI). For this project Natural England will be the main approving authority.
Natural England Unex House Bourges Boulevard Peterborough PE1 1NG
Contact: Dr Jonathan Larwood, Phone: 0300 060 0326
Geological
The key stakeholder with regards to the geological aspects are the Charnia Research Group. They have an advisory role in reviewing this project and its impact on the geology.
Group Secretary: Chief Curator National Geological Repository British Geological Survey Keyworth,
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Nottingham, NG12 5GG
Contact: Dr Mike Howe Phone: 0115 9363105 Email: [email protected]
Heritage
The adjacent memorial is a Listed structure. English Heritage may have an input on the proposed works.
English Heritage 44 Derngate Northampton | NN1 1UH
Phone: 01604 735400
Local Authority
The local authority will have an overseeing role in relation to planning.
The Local Planning Authority is: Charnwood Borough Council Council Offices Southfield Road Loughborough LE11 2TX Phone: 01509 263151
The county council is: Leicestershire County Council County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8RA Phone: 0116 232 3232
The Parish Council is: Newtown Linford Parish Council 34 Groby Lane Newtown Linford Leicester LE6 0HH
Contact: Lydia Knott Phone: 01530 242522
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Email: [email protected]
Societies and Groups
Friends of Charnwood Forest 86 Forest Road, Markfield, LE67 9UN.
Contact: Doug Maas Phone: 01530 242534 Email: [email protected]
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3.0 Existing approaches to insitu protection
3.1 In protecting historic and geological heritage a number of techniques have been used elsewhere. A brief summary of some of these approaches is given below. The applicability of these approaches with regard to the Bradgate Park Site is given in section 4.0 of this report.
3.1 The inauguration stone of The Kings of D ál Riata Dunadd Hill Fort, Scotland
Just below Dunadd’s summit on an exposed rocky outcrop is the inauguration stone of the Kings of Dál Riata, a footprint carved into the bedrock. The site has around 50,000 visitors per year with many visitors literally following the footsteps of the kings and placing their feet on the footprint carving.
In the 1980's protection to this stone was provided in the form of a fibreglass covering, painted to match the existing stone. The protection blends in well with its surroundings and the majority of visitors are unaware of its presence. Visitors are not made aware that they are seeing a replica and there has been some minor criticism of the approach adopted with some visitors feeling 'hoodwinked' that they are not experiencing the real thing.
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3.2 Geological Reserve in Alpes de Haute Provence, France
La Réserve Géologique de Haute-Provence is located in the foothills of the Western Alps. Thisarea has a significant amount of important geology and the entire site is covered by specific laws to protect the heritage. Raising awareness of the importance of the geology has been an important aspect of the preservation works with information points, tours and trails being a part of the overall philosophy.
A number of the more significant geological features of the park are protected in situ with protective screens. A feature has been made of the screens to provide a focal point highlighting the protected geology. On this basis they do not necessarily blend in with the immediate surroundings, however given the massive scale of the setting this is considered to be less sensitive.
3.3 Fossil Grove in Victoria Park Glasgow
Fossil Grove is located in Victoria Park in the Glasgow. The geological heritage comprises fossilized tree stumps which were discovered in 1887. Protection is afforded by a building covering the site. The building itself is one of the first examples of the use of a building to preserve fossilized remains. The use of a building is in keeping with the urban nature of the site and provides an
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extremely robust form of protection.
3.4 Dinosaur Ridge, Colorado
Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison, Colorado has a large number of significant geological features including fossilized riverbeds, dinosaur trackways and footprints. In some areas protection is provided by simple wire fences. The form of the fences varies and attempts to create a feature to highlight the geology but the result is considered to be fairly obtrusiv. In the example below dinosaur trackways are protected behind a fence and elevated viewing platform.
Structural and Civil Engineering Services JD/sj/B00680 Bradgate Park
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4.0 Options Considered
4.1 A brief review of suitable options for safeguarding the geol ogy. These are considered in the table below.
Option Benefits Limitations Suitability and implementation Adopt in Considered proposals Increase Relatively low Do es not provide This approach has, in part, already Yes awareness of cost. Raises physical been adopted. This could be in public to the the profile of protection to the the form of information on sensitivity of the site. site and unlikely websites, physical signs or tours. the site to deter malicious vandalism. CCTV Constant Does not provide The site is remote and CCTV may No monitoring. a physical be costly to install due to the May be low deterrent. Long location. Consideration could be cost of long range CCTV is given to long range CCTV range CCTCV poor quality. solutions however this would adopted. reduce the deterrent.
Security A strong Likely to be costly Easy to implement and does not No deterrent. in the long term. require any approvals. Very costly Intermittent solution and unlikely to be viable protection. long term.
Fe nce Low cost and Visually intrusive. The use of a fence has been No effective in Depending upon previously considered and providing a foundation discarded due to the visual physical solution could impact. deterrent. also damage the underlying geology.
Mesh Screen Robust More visually The use of a mesh screen has No solution intrusive than a been previously considered and transparent discarded due to the visual screen. impact.
Transparent Offers a good Will have a visual A screen is considered a suitable Yes Screen level of impact solution for the site. protection and can highlight the geology.
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Replica Offers a good Obscures the To be suitably robust and Yes Screen level of geology. removable the replica screen protection and would need to on a frame similar is not visually to a transparent screen. intrusive.
Enclosure Offers a very Very intrusive Not considered a suitable option No high level of option and high for this site. protection. cost.
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5.0 Concept Proposals
5.1 Based on the options considered in section xxx and the client requirements the following items are to be considered within the concept design
• A protective screen is considered to be the preferred option. • The screen is to be robust to prevent malicious damage and protect the geology from removal. • The robustness of the screen is to be balanced with cost and visual impact. • The screen is to be either transparent or be provided with a replica opaque covering. • The screen is to be removable or openable to allow access to the geology below.
On the basis of the above the outline concept proposals have been considered.
Option A - Screen Fixed to Rock Face
Benefits • Simple to install/ remove • Clean look • Functional • Considered cost effectiv e option
Limitations/ Issues • Requires installation into rock face being protected • Number of fixings may damage heritage
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Option B - Screen Independent of Rock Face
Benefits • Minimises impact on heritage • Frame can be fabricated off site • Consi dered cost effective option
Limitations/ Issues • Requires counterweight or footing to be constructed on site • Move visually intrusive than fixed screen
Option C - Opaque Screen
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Benefits • Mimics look of existing rock from a distance • Can be used with frame systems in options A and B or as a simple installation covering the exposed rock.
Limitations/ Issues • Likely to be more costly than a screen • Modelling of the slight geological features may lose interpretation • Public perception of scheme would need to be managed
From the initial concept schemes the general issues were identified. These issues are identified and discussed below;
1. Would any fixings into the rock be permitted? Physical fixings (bolts, anchors etc) to the rock face where the geology is present are to be avoided. Outside of the protected area limited physical fixings may be acceptable subject to approval.
2. Would the use of a removable adhesive on the rock be permitted? Adhesive connections may be acceptable if it can be demonstrated that they are removable and this will not result in damage to the geological heritage.
3. With a transparent screen would this cause a greenhouse heating effect on the rock. Would this be an issue? This is not considered to be an issue. Ventilation to any enclosure would be needed
4. What level of removability of the protective covering is required? the frequency of inspection to the rock face would need to be determined to establish if a removable screen can be adopted in lieu of an opening one.
Devel opment of concept proposal
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Based on the initial scheme proposals the concept design was developed based on option B. Features included
• No fixings to exposed bedding plane. Some fixings beyond area of interest are considered to be acceptable and would allow for a more robust solution to be adopted. • Transparent screen is to be adopted which would be more lightweight and easily removable. This also allows the geology to be viewed in its original form. The screen would be polycarbonate. • A counterweight is required at the bottom of the screen to provide a fixing point without the need to significantly excavate the ground. Any geology below would remain intact and this would be separated by a membrane (i.e. standard DPC or similar). • Timber cladding and small deck would be created to cover the counterweight. This would allow for a flat viewing area for the geology. Graphics could be incorporated onto the screen to provide information and highlight important areas. • A walkway could be incorporated into the scheme.
Preliminary Concept visualisation
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6.0 Access and Construction
6.1 To be included in final report – sensitivity, security, approvals, programme and outline method statement
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7.0 Estima ted Costs
7.1 To be included in final report
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Appendices
Appendix A – Preliminary Concept Plans and Visualisation Appendix B - Final Concept Plans and Visualisation
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Appendix A Preliminary Concept Plans and Visualisation
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Appendix B Final Concept Plans and Visualisation
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