EHG6000 - Walkover survey - new woodland planting, Balmac Estate, Bunloit

An archaeological walkover survey was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2022 at Balmac Estate, southwest of Drumnadrochit, ahead of a woodland creation scheme. The survey was required in order to assess and record the nature and extent of any upstanding archaeology affected by the proposed development. The survey area was walked systematically by two archaeologists to cover the landscape. Particular focus was placed on areas of archaeological potential, such as along watercourses and areas of known sites. Six sites were identified, including two prehistoric hut circles, a possible prehistoric quarry, a possible stone pen, a stone/turf boundary and a possible shieling site. It was recommended that mitigation measures, in the form of buffer zones, be implemented prior to the woodland creation in order to prevent damage or impact to the archaeological sites. Buffer zones of 20m were recommended around prehistoric sites 1-3. Buffer zones of 10m were recommended around post-medieval sites 4 & 6, with a buffer zone of 5m recommended along the length of the turf bank site 5. <1>