EHG5769 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed woodland creation, Higher Mingarry, Moidart

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2020 in advance of a woodland creation and management scheme at High Mingarry, near Acharacle, Moidart, in Lochaber. An archaeological recording project carried out by the Moidart History Group (Comann Eachdraidh Mùideart) in 2008 (see EHG3268) recorded 84 sites including post-medieval farmsteads and their associated infrastructure, field boundaries and some areas of relict rig and furrow cultivation. The area of this survey comprised the ground covered by the Moidart History Group, but also included a new area of ground to the northeast of the High Mingarry Township. Unfortunately, the extensive bracken stands to the west of the Mingarry Burn created difficulties in accessing and recording the known archaeological sites, while the recorded archaeology within the previously felled area (within the southwest sector of the township) had been severely disturbed due to tree-throw and felling activity. In particular, tree brash and other felling debris partially obscured some of the sites. The archaeological sites located under the standing conifer plantation to the east of the Mingarry Burn had also been impacted by the preparation of ground for tree planting and tree-throw activity, especially within the eastern sector of the survey area. One particular group of sites was partially obscured by fallen trees due to storm damage in this area. The archaeological sites under the standing trees were flagged-up using marker tape in advance of felling operations, to mitigate against further damage to the built heritage. No new archaeological sites were recovered in the new area of ground, which comprised open moorland with some rock outcrops, but additional features were recorded associated with the Mingarry Township including boundary dykes and field boundaries, and areas of relict rig and furrow cultivation. The level of recording undertaken by the Moidart History Group in 2008 was found to be excellent and accurate. However, it is possible that additional, more ephemeral structures and buried archaeological features and deposits, are present within the survey area. In order to protect the integrity of the settlement remains at High Mingarry during the proposed felling, restocking and new planting schemes, further mitigation measures were recommended. <1>