EHG6394 - Walkover survey - proposed woodland creation and peatland restoration, Dorback Estate

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey were carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2025 in advance of proposed woodland creation and peatland restoration projects across the Dorback Estate, near Nethy Bridge, in the Cairngorm National Park. The survey area generally comprised an upland environment with some in-bye fields and rough grazing associated with former townships and farmsteads, heathland and areas of glacial moraine, areas of new and existing woodland, and deep river valleys running into the higher mountain terrain. The walkover survey recorded 70 archaeological sites, some of which include multiple structures and features. Post-medieval features included townships, farmsteads, stock enclosures, sheepfolds, shielings, pens, field enclosure defined by drystone walls and stone and turf banks, grain-drying kilns, and a number of lime kilns. Prehistoric structures included a burnt mound of likely Bronze Age date near Dorback Lodge. The historic sites generally related to the management of cattle and sheep, with the shielings relating to transhumance activities in the upland landscape associated with livestock management and the droving of cattle. Features associated with the sporting estate included grouse shooting butts and shelters. <1>