Rethinking Historic and Natural Landscapes and Their Management

On behalf of RESCUE, with support from Hertfordshire County Council's LEADS team, we'd like to welcome you to join us for our annual AGM and public talk, held at the stunning Verulamium Museum and Park in St Albans - a site of unparalleled blend of historic and natural heritage. Grounded in the rich history and ecological diversity of Verulamium, we explore its management as a starting point to reconsider traditional approaches to managing such landscapes, and explore innovative strategies for conservation and stewardship.

Key themes under discussion include:

1. Integrating Archaeology and Ecology: Speakers emphasise the interconnectedness of cultural heritage and natural landscapes, advocating for holistic management approaches that honour both aspects. By understanding the symbiotic relationship between human history and the environment, attendees are encouraged to adopt a more nuanced perspective on ongoing efforts.

2. Adaptive Management Practices: Recognising the dynamic nature of landscapes, talks will explore adaptive management practices that respond to changing environmental conditions and societal needs. By embracing flexibility and innovation, there is opportunity to ensure long-term sustainability of such sites.

3. Community Engagement and Education: Central to the discussion is the importance of community involvement in landscape management. Through education, outreach programmes, and active participation, members of the local community, and visitors too, can become stewards, fostering a sense of social and environmental responsibility .

4. Sustainable Tourism: Balancing conservation with visitor enjoyment is a key consideration in managing historic and natural landscapes. We will touch on strategies that balance maximising the cultural and educational value whilst minimising environmental impact.

5. Collaborative Partnerships: Finally, the day aims to underscores the significance of collaborative partnerships between government agencies, conservation organisations, academic institutions, and local communities. By pooling resources and expertise, we can leverage collective strengths to address complex challenges and achieve shared conservation goals.

Overall, the talk on Rethinking Historic and Natural Landscapes at Verulamium intends to act as an exploration towards transformative thinking and action, inspiring attendees to envision a future where cultural heritage and ecological sustainability are harmoniously intertwined.

Programme:

10:30 Rescue AGM

11:30 Public Talks

14:00 Guided Walking Tour with David Thorold (Verulamium Museum Curator)

16:00 Pub n’ Chat at the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

Host or Publisher RESCUE: The British Archaeological Trust