Warrens Hall Project
Location: Dudley
Warrens Hall and Bumble Hole are local nature reserves located between Sandwell and Dudley. The sites have been shaped by past industrial and mining activities but still contain some remnants of previous medieval land use.
There are many interesting features on site including an engine house and toll island, and varied natural habitat. The group has received funding to investigate the built features on site, carry out wildlife surveys, interpret the site, produce a website and hold a range of community events.
Progress so far
The site features ‘Ridge and Furrow’ markings, indicating that it is medieval land. This cultivation pattern is unusual for the area and it is very surprising for it to have survived the industrial revolution. The site is sandwiched between a reservoir for the canals and collieries. The Sandwell Council archaeologist has helped with info on this.
Another area of the site has been identified recently as having the same pattern and interestingly this style of ‘Ridge and Furrow’ is the same as in Wiltshire. The group are now researching why this land has survived relatively untouched, and why the patterns are the same as ones in Wiltshire. It may be that a family settled here having migrated from that area.
Two archaeologists have been to see it since as part of this work and a wildlife survey has been going on also as part of a wider biodiversity study in the Birmingham and Walsall area.
As the project matures and more is found out, the group will prepare a website and hold more events to publicise what they discover.
Group Name |
|
Bumble Hole Conservation Group |
| Address |
|
Sandwell & Dudley |
| Project Postcode |
|
DY2 9HU |
| Finishing Date |
|
31 August 2004 |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: 22,116
|
|
