Wetlands Margin Survey 2008-10

The wetlands of Ceredigion are recognised as important geological, ecological and palaeoenvironmental sites. Recent archaeological investigations of a timber trackway and metal smelting at Llangynfelin have emphasised the archaeological importance of these environments. Rising sea levels, continuing coastal erosion and on-going drainage are resulting in continuing damage to the peat bog of Cors Fochno, Llangynfelin, in north Ceredigion. This project, working in conjunction with the Countryside Council for Wales (who manage much of Cors Fochno), land owners, and members of the local community, will increase our knowledge of the archaeology of Cors Fochno, assess the pressures on it and recommend measures to assist in its long-term preservation.

Following on from the Cors Fochno survey of 2008-09, the wetland margins of Cars Caron (Tregaron Bog) were examined in 2009-10 in partnership with the University of Wales, Lampeter. In addition to formulating measures for the long-term protection of the bog fringes, several sites were examined in more detail. This included geophysical survey of a possible medieval earthwork castle at Llwyngwinau and a geophysical survey, topographic survey and small-scale excavation of a possible medieval grange and later mansion/gardens.

Cors Fochno Survey Report in PDF format (opens in a new window, file size 13.5Mb - will take some time to download)

Cors Caron Wetlands Margin Survey (in PDF format, opens in a new window, file size 11.2Mb - will take some time to download).

Looking over Cors Caron from the hills flanking its eastern side

Geophysical survey of the possible earthwork castle at Llwyngwinau

Undertaking the geophysical survey at Llwyngwinau with Cors Caron in the background

Wetlands OS 1922: Extract from the Ordnance Survey 1922 map showing the extent of Cors Fochno

Volunteers excavating the Tan yr Allt trackway at Cors Fochno

Contact: Phil Poucher