Once lost, they are gone forever – please don’t let this happen
The rock carvings that are scattered over much of Northumberland were made by Neolithic and Early Bronze Age people between 3500 and 6000 years ago. We have already lost many carvings through quarrying and field clearances. Examples of motifs that have been quarried in half can be seen at Roughting Linn and West Lordenshaw 2c. We need to ensure that the carvings survive so that they can be enjoyed and studied by future generations.
Caring for the carvings is a responsibility that each one of us shares; not just farmers, land managers and heritage authorities.
Taking this responsibility seriously means:
Always:
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treat the carvings with respect
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leave the carved rocks and other archaeological features as you find them
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follow the advice of farmers, landowners and land managers.
Never:
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chalk or enhance the rock carvings
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scratch your name or messages on or close to the carved panels
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walk or drive over carved panels
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remove turf from around the carved panels
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make fires close to rock carvings
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attempt to remove graffiti, chalk, lichen or any anything else on the rock
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apply harmful substances to the rock carvings.
If you have concerns about the protection of carved panels, you can contact the:
Northumberland County Archaeologists
County Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2EF
tel: 01670 – 534058
email: archaeology@northumberland.gov.uk
If the panel is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, you can also forward your concerns to the:
Inspector of Ancient Monuments
English Heritage
North East Region
Bessie Surtees House
41-44 Sandhill
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3JF
tel: 0191 - 2691200
