Let it snow – Winter Archaeology and Landscape

Snow offers a rare opportunity for seeing and recording sites in the Welsh landscape which, when covered by a blanket of snow, provide immaculate conditions for earthwork recording, especially when combined with the low winter sun. Snow ‘evens out’ the colours of the landscape allowing complex earthwork monuments to be seen more clearly and precisely. At the same time, drifting or melting snow, as well as melting frost on improved pasture, all help to show up slight differences in topography which can highlight an archaeological site. These special weather conditions rarely last for long, making timely aerial reconnaissance imperative. These images are a selection from winters past; let’s hope there’ll be opportunities for more discoveries this winter.

For more images explore our online galleries highlighting recent fieldwork, digitisation and discoveries.

By Helen Rowe

Royal Commission aerial photograph of Snowdon’s snow-capped summit under snow, view from the west in 2012. NPRN: 32619

Royal Commission aerial photograph of Llyn y Fan Fach, winter landscape in 2009. NPRN: 412896

Royal Commission aerial photograph of Llanerchaeron under snow in 2010. NPRN: 302 081

Royal Commission aerial photograph of the Brecon Beacons and Pen y Fan in winter 2009. NPRN: 142199

Royal Commission aerial photograph of Strata Florida Abbey under snow in 2010. NPRN: 95764

Royal Commission aerial photograph of Foel Fawr quarry complex under snow, view from the north in 2003. NPRN: 91982

19/12/2016