EHG6387 - Walkover survey - proposed peatland restoration project, Forsinard Flows (Nam Breac)

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by J Harden of the RSPB in 2024-5 to support an application for a peatland restoration project across parts of the RSPB Forsinard Flows reserve in Surtherland. The aims of the archaeologiocal work were to: identify known heritage assets and potentially important historic features at the site; assess the impact of restoration proposals and to provide advice to avoid or minimise negative impact on heritage features, including methods for archaeological recording where appropriate. There were no designated heritage assets within the site nor any known prehistoric, medieval finds, sites or areas. The immediately surrounding landscape is devoid of upstanding prehistoric sites or areas, although it was recognised that no known evidence may not reflect the use of the landscape during prehistoric times before the peat took hold. Site visits were carried out with RSPB peatland project staff on 3 October 2024 and 20 February 2025 to walk over the areas to be restored. Any known or additional archaeological sites were noted. The restoration would result in visually imperceptible changes to the appearance of the landscape. No permanent visual impact was anticipated. There was potential for unknown archaeological features below the peat layer. When taking scoops of peat to create the dams, care would be taken not to impact the mineral layers below the peat unless absolutely necessary. This approach should minimise damage to unknown archaeological deposits sealed below the peat layers. Exclusion zones would be established around the known sites and contractors would be made aware that machines must use the agreed access routes and must not track into the exclusion zones. <1>