Earthworks

As a general principle the most appropriate cover for earthwork monuments is grass. A dense grass sward is relatively shallow rooting and stops erosion, thereby preventing damage to any buried archaeology. A covering of low growing grass also allows the form and interest of the earthwork to be fully appreciated.

However, many earthworks are covered in trees; either through neglect and natural succession or, in many cases, by design and deliberate planting. The planting of earthworks to make imposing features in the landscape was particularly popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The tree covered burial mounds on the hills around Avebury in Wiltshire or the tree covered iron age hillfort known as Badbury Rings on the Kingston Lacy Estate near Blandford in Dorset are good examples of this.

Trees on the banks of Avebury Stone Circle covered in snow The management of trees on earthworks requires careful consideration and consultation.  In most cases old established trees are considered to have done whatever damage to archaeology that they are likely to and their removal is not usually necessary. Instead, management is directed towards reducing the likelihood of trees being blown down and this is particularly important if surrounding trees have been lost.

Replanting trees on any scheduled monument requires Scheduled Monument Consent; however replanting may not always be appropriate. English Heritage should be consulted at an early stage.