Offshore Renewables Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries - Annual Report 2013-2014

8/10/2019 Offshore Renewables Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries - Annual Report 2013-2014

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Prepared by

wessexarchaeology

Offshore RenewablesProtocol for Archaeological Discoveries

Annual Report20132014


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Protocol Annual Report 20132014 1

In March 2014 the OffshoreRenewables Protocol for

Archaeological Discoveries(ORPAD) completed its 3rdsuccessful year protectingmarine heritage duringwork on offshore renewableenergy projects.

ORPAD was launched in December 2010by The Crown Estate as part of continuing

its role of proactively supporting theoffshore renewable energy industry.

All offshore renewable energy developmentschemes are archaeologically investigatedduring the planning stages and mitigation isprovided to protect identified sites of archaeological significance. As a result of continued industry growth, there is a highlikelihood of uncovering or encountering

archaeological remains during workoffshore. This may occur at any point in theprocess from geophysical surveys or

environmental sampling, to cable-layingand the installation of turbines.

The character of the marine environmentand lower baseline of archaeologicalknowledge at sea means that the level of unspecified risk of archaeologicaldiscoveries is generally higher at sea thanon land, whilst the construction teamsflexibility in the event that a significant siteis discovered is generally less. (Protocol for

Archaeological Discoveries: OffshoreRenewables Projects, 2014)

The aim of the Protocol is to support

offshore development by providing anumbrella system for reporting, investigatingand protecting these unexpectedarchaeological discoveries which may beencountered during pre-construction,construction and operation work for theoffshore renewables industry.

This report explores the Protocols 3rd year, April 2013 March 2014, during which 105

individual reports detailing archaeologicaldiscoveries were raised with Wessex Archaeologys Implementation Service.

Project Background

The character of the marineenvironment and lower baseline of archaeological knowledge at sea

means that the level of unspecifiedrisk of archaeological discoveriesis generally higher at sea than onland, whilst the constructionteams flexibility in the event thata significant site is discovered isgenerally less.Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries:Offshore Renewables Projects , 2014


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1 Overview of the Protocol ..........................................................................................41.1 The Protocol in Action .........................................................................................................41.2 Summary of the First Year, 20102012...............................................................................41.3 Summary of the Second Year, 20122013..........................................................................41.4 Summary of the Third Year, 20132014..............................................................................5

2 Discoveries .......................................................................................................................62.1 Finds Summary ...................................................................................................................62.2 ORPAD Archaeological Finds..............................................................................................6Case Study 1: The Recovered Find .................................................................................... ..........7Case Study 2: The in situ Find ......................................................................................... .............8

3 Liaison and Accessibility ...........................................................................................93.1 Distribution of Reports.........................................................................................................93.2 The Importance of Further Reporting..................................................................................9

4 Awareness ......................................................................................................................104.1 Activities Undertaken in 20132014..................................................................................10

5 ORPAD during 20132014 ....................................................................................115.1 In-person Awareness.........................................................................................................115.2 Local Protocols..................................................................................................................115.3 Anchors .............................................................................................................................115.4 Revision to Reporting Standards.......................................................................................115.5 Confidentiality and Adherence...........................................................................................125.6 Dissemination....................................................................................................................12

6 Consultation ...................................................................................................................136.1 Consultation ......................................................................................................................136.2 The Protocol as a Safety-net.............................................................................................136.3 The Protocol as a Condition of Consent............................................................................136.4 Revised Protocol ...............................................................................................................13

7 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................147.1 Importance ........................................................................................................................147.2 The Future.........................................................................................................................14

Contents


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1.1 The Protocol in ActionThe Protocol does not replace other methods of archaeological investigation but is designed to act asa safety-net for material recovered after archaeological baseline research, assessment or

mitigation has been completed.

Under the Protocol, if archaeological remains arediscovered they are reported to a designated SiteChampion usually the site manager, team leader or vessel master who completes a reporting formwith key information about each discovery.

The reporting form and photographs of the find or site are forwarded to the Nominated Contact for theDeveloper usually the Consents Manager. TheNominated Contact uploads information and

photographs onto an online portal, which notifies theImplementation Service. The ImplementationService is currently operated by WessexArchaeology on behalf of The Crown Estate .

The role of the Implementation Service is to assistthe Developer in matters relating to archaeologicaldiscoveries made during work on offshore wind farmdevelopments. This includes investigatingdiscoveries uploaded onto the portal, providingadvice, preparing reports and disseminatinginformation about new discoveries to relevantparties.

The Protocol meets conditions laid out in Section 4.8of the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1). EN-1 states: Where the IPC[Infrastructure Planning Commission] considersthere to be a high probability that a development sitemay include as yet undiscovered heritage assetswith archaeological interest, the IPC should consider requirements to ensure appropriate procedures arein place for the identification and treatment of suchassets discovered during construction. The NationalPolicy Statement for Renewable Energy

Infrastructure (EN-3) (DECC 2011) reiteratesaspects of this condition.

To support the Protocol the Implementation Serviceruns an Awareness Programme funded by TheCrown Estate, the activities of which are detailed insection 4 Awareness of this report.

1.2 Summary of the First Year, 20102012ORPAD was launched in December 2010 to providea cost-effective safety-net to protect submergedheritage. During the first year of operation(spanning December 2010 March 2012) four reports were raised detailing archaeological finds.

In addition to investigating and reporting on thesediscoveries, the Implementation Service focused onraising awareness to ensure that everyone involvedin development schemes was aware of the Protocoland familiar with its operation.

This was achieved through visits, meetings,dedicated web pages, the production of newsletters,operational guides, handouts and a DVD for thoseunable to attend a talk (such as those working on avessel).

The benefits of this awareness training are beingseen now as the level of reports filed annually hasincreased considerably.

1.3 Summary of the Second Year, 20122013 A large increase in the number of reports filed waswitnessed in the second year of the Protocol, risingfrom four reports in the first year, to 76 in thesecond. This reflects not only the impact of effectiveawareness training, but also the acceleration inoffshore activity resulting in the discovery of archaeological material.

In addition to supporting offshore development byinvestigating these reports, the focus of the secondyear was to increase dissemination of information torelevant bodies. To do this, Wessex Archaeologyworked closely with Developers Nominated

Contacts to ensure that information was released ina timely and sensitive manner.

Protocol Annual Report 201320144

1 Overview of the ProtocolThe basic tenet of the Protocol is that when

archaeological material is encountered during work onoffshore wind farm schemes, it is reported. The Protocolsets out a framework to facilitate this, assisting theprotection of our cultural heritage.


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1.4 Summary of the Third Year, 20132014105 reports were raised with the ImplementationService during the third operational year of theProtocol.

In the previous year the majority of reports related tomaterial recovered during benthic trawls. This year

this information has been supplemented by evidencegained during the investigation of potential ordnanceusing Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) anddivers. Material has been reported that wasrecognised on sonar or video, and for which imageswere provided, although the items were notrecovered from the seabed.

Confidentiality remains high within the industrywhich has led to some delays in the dissemination of information. Wessex Archaeology continues tocommunicate with all parties in order thatinformation about heritage assets is accessionedonto relevant national databases.

During the third year a consultation was opened toreview the Protocol and its operation to date.Contact was made with companies working withinthe offshore renewables industry, heritage agenciesand government departments, and the consultationwas publicised through Renewing the Past , thenewsletter which supports the Protocol. The resultsof this process are discussed below in section6 Consulation .


Table 1 ORPAD finds reported during 20132014Find ID Description Activity

10103 Propeller UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10106 Peat & wood Beam trawl10107 Wood Beam trawl10108 Peat & coal Beam trawl10109 Peat & wood Beam trawl10110 Peat & wood Beam trawl10111 Anchor Clearance10114 Wood, twig, stone Beam trawl10116 Twigs Beam trawl10117 Twig Beam trawl10118 Peat Otter trawl10119 Vertebra Beam trawl10120 Peat Beam trawl10121 Peat Otter trawl10122 Wood Beam trawl10123 Peat & wood Beam trawl10124 Twig, ?wood/lignite Beam trawl

10125 Wood Beam trawl10126 Peat Beam trawl10127 Peat & wood Beam trawl10128 Peat Otter trawl10129 Peat Beam trawl10130 Peat Beam trawl10131 Peat & wood Otter trawl10132 Peat Otter trawl10133 Peat Otter trawl10134 Peat Otter trawl10135 Wood & twig Beam trawl10136 Wood & twig Beam trawl10137 Peat & wood Beam trawl10138 Wood Otter trawl10139 Peat Otter trawl10140 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10141 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10142 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10143 Metal framework UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10144 Metal framework UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10145 Metal beam UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10146 Metal beam UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10147 Potential anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10148 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10149 Chain UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10150 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10151 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10152 Metal debris UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10153 Admiralty chain UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10154 Steel (winch drum?) UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10155 Chain UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10156 Chain UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10157 Deck winch UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment

10158 Metal debris UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10159 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10160 Chain UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment

Find ID Description Activity

10161 Capstan UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10162 Metal debris UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10163 Potential capstan UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10164 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10165 German GC mine UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10166 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10167 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10168 Ordnance UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10170 Metallic object UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10171 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10172 Metal debris UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10173 ?Wooden beam UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10174 Ordnance UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10175 Chain UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10176 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10177 Anchor wire UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10178 Potential deck plate UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment

10179 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10180 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10181 Metal framework UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10182 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10183 Metal debris UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10184 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10185 Unidentified object UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10187 Chain & ?anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10188 Metal framework UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10189 Anchor UXO ground-truthing anomaly assessment10190 Cable reel Survey work of magnetic anomalies10191 Anchor Moved during phase 3 boulder clearance10192 Anchor Found during export cable laying works10193 Peat & twig Found during scientific trawl10194 Peat Found during scientific trawl10195 Peat Found during scientific trawl10196 Peat, wood & twig Found during scientific trawl10197 Peat Found during scientific trawl10198 Peat Found during scientific trawl10199 Peat, wood & coal Found during scientific trawl10200 Peat & wood Found during scientific trawl10201 Peat Found during scientific trawl10202 Peat & wood Found during scientific trawl10203 Peat Found during scientific trawl10204 Peat Found during scientific trawl10205 Wood Found during scientific trawl10206 Peat Found during scientific trawl10207 Peat Found during scientific trawl10209 Peat Found during scientific trawl10210 Peat Found during scientific trawl10211 Peat & wood Found during scientific trawl10212 Peat Found during scientific trawl10213 Peat Found during scientific trawl

10214 Peat Found during scientific trawl10216 Trailing fishing gear Debris target investigated by ROV


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2.1 Finds SummaryIn common with the 20122013 period, a number of potentially significant heritage assets werediscovered during benthic trawls offshore. Organicmaterials such as wood and peat, which havesignificance for our understanding of pre-submergence landscapes, were recovered fromtrawls and reported through ORPAD. These plant

remains were provided to Wessex Archaeology for further study.

This year also saw the reporting of a range of materials identified during Unexploded Ordnance(UXO) survey. This aptly demonstrates how existingoffshore surveys, conducted as standard before or during construction, can inform Developers and their Retained Archaeologists of submerged heritageassets without increasing costs by any noticeableextent.

Approximately 50 of the reports filed this year relateto organic material whilst 55 reports detail metalfinds from the seafloor, ranging from anchors toordnance. The latter were either recovered to thesurface, or investigated on the seabed by divers andROV after their discovery by geophysical survey.

Finds reported through the Protocol are informing our understanding of human use of pre-submergencelandscape, sea and seabed, shedding light on aperiod that is little understood due to geographical,chronological and practicable distance.

The Implementation Service has been workingclosely with Developers and with specialists toensure that all reports are investigated to the higheststandards. As some of this years reports detailedenvironmental material such as peat or wood, thismeant internal experts undertaking detailedspecialist analysis to produce reports.

Table 1 (page 5) lists the finds reported in the20132014 reporting year alongside the type of activity that led to their discovery. Find locations for all of the finds reported through ORPAD this year

are shown on the map above.

2.2 ORPAD Archaeological FindsThe development footprints of offshore wind farmsare being intensively investigated to ensure their suitability for renewable energy development.This includes benthic trawls, geophysical surveys,

boulder clearance operations and UXO surveys,all of which have yielded archaeologicaldiscoveries in the 20132014 reporting year.

The big news of last years Protocol was thediscovery and reporting of material frompre-submergence environmental deposits fromthe East Coast. Whilst initially these discoverieswere kept confidential and information onlyshared with the Protocols ImplementationService, the results of detailed study of theremains have now been published and are

available online.*


2 Discoveries105 reports were raised during the 20132014 reporting

year, an increase from 76 in 20122013 and four between2010 and 2012.

Find location

General overview of the location of finds for 20132014

* Vis it http://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/media/5599/ei-archaeological-material-from-the-dogger-bank.pdf


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Case Study 1The Recovered Find

This anchor was recovered during workoffshore to clear boulders ahead of the

installation of wind turbine generators. Agrab was deployed to the seabed and, asthese images show, lifted the anchor tothe surface.

This is a Rodgers small-palm anchor, atype which was very popular in the 19thcentury. Rodgers small-palm anchor named after Lieutenant (later Commander) Rodgers was patented in1832 and continued in commercial useinto the early 20th century as a stream

anchor. The anchor is characterised by abolt passing through the shank, armsforged in one piece and blunt points.

The discovery was reported through the

ORPAD after its recovery by the boulder clearance team working on behalf of theDeveloper. Without a Protocol in place,finds such as this one may not becorrectly reported, or reported at all, andthe information they hold about theheritage of an area could be lost from thearchaeological record. Details of this findwere submitted to the relevant nationalheritage database by the ORPADImplementation Service where they willbe available to future researchers.

This year the increasing pace of development andchange in offshore activity has seen a shift from thereporting of environmental remains, to the reportingof artefactual material and a divide between findsreported that have been lifted to the surface, andthose that remain in situ on the seabed. Both haverelevance to our archaeological understanding of

offshore areas, and both retrieved and in situ findsshould be reported through the Protocol. Here wefocus on one find that remains in situ , and another that was recovered during offshore work.

Anchors, such as the two featured here in these

case studies, can be part of larger sites of archaeological significance. For example, where acollection of anchors is found together they mayindicate an historic anchorage and where an anchor is found with maritime material it is likely to be partof a shipwreck event. These examples are currentlybelieved to be discrete finds; those that have been

lost from a vessel, not with one. However, byensuring that they are correctly reported theDeveloper concerned has made this informationavailable should potentially associated material berecovered from a nearby location during futurework offshore.


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Case Study 2The in situ Find

In the past it has been common for finds

to be reported through a relevant industryprotocol only after their recovery. TheORPAD has demonstrated the value inreporting material that is still in situ on theseabed, as this next case study shows.

This example was investigated as apotential UXO target after geophysicalsurvey. ROV images of the find on theseabed clearly identified it as an anchor,with shackle attached, and covered innets or ropes. The quality of ROV andunderwater camera images, combinedwith sonar images of the anchor on theseabed has allowed a firm identificationof this find as an anchor, even though ithas not been lifted to the surface.Leaving the anchor on the seabednegates the inherent conservationproblems of drying marine finds,particularly iron finds, without their degradation.

The reporting of in situ discoveries marksa change from other industry protocolswhere material is commonly onlydiscovered and subsequently reportedafter its removal from the seabed. In the20132014 reporting year approximately25% of reported ORPAD finds remain onthe seabed. Where they do not lie in the

direct footprint of turbines or associatedcables they can be left in situ .

Whilst there are limitations to thearchaeological interpretation that can beapplied to in situ finds in the offshorecontext for example it has not beenpossible on available evidence to suggesta date for the use of this anchor thearchaeological record is still enhanced byunderstanding of its presence andlocation which may provide opportunity

for future study. As with the recoveredfind, the ORPAD Implementation Servicewill submit details of this find to therelevant national database where theycan be accessed during any future workin the area.

Underwater photograph

Multibeam image

Sonar image


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3.1 Distribution of ReportsReporting to the various different agencies, asdetailed on page 16 of the Protocol, is standardarchaeological or legal practice. Prior to this level of reporting, Wessex Archaeology will work closely withConsents Managers and Nominated Contacts to

ensure that they are informed and supportive of further dissemination.

None of the finds reported in the 20132014reporting year were associated conclusively with anunknown or uncharted wreck site. Consequently nofinds have been reported to the UK HydrographicOffice in this reporting year.

3.2 The Importance of Further ReportingThe importance of disseminating information aboutfinds was highlighted in the annual report for 20122013 but is an ongoing concern so will also beaddressed here.

It is important that all finds discovered are reportedto the relevant heritage agency and this is a role thatthe Implementation Service can undertake on behalf of a Developer. This is crucial as understanding findsin their broader national context is key to their interpretation.

All heritage curators hold archives of known sitesand finds of archaeological importance. Discoveriesmade during work on wind farm developments will

be added to these archives after reporting by theImplementation Service. These archives will help toinform future developments.

Aside from the value to heritage of the effectivereporting of finds, there is also a legal obligation toreport some classes of find, and a failure to reportarchaeological finds may constitute a breach of oneor more conditions of consent. It is therefore criticalthat the Developer can demonstrate that an effectivecommunication procedure (such as awarenesstraining) has been implemented to make theProtocol operationally effective.

Confidentiality remains understandably importantwithin the industry and the Implementation Servicewill liaise with Nominated Contacts at each stage of the reporting process.

It should be noted that unless a find is of exceptional

archaeological value (with national or internationalresonance) reporting through the Protocol is unlikelyto present any obstacle to continued development,provided appropriate investigation and mitigation,agreed by the curator, is conducted for thedevelopment. If a find or site is of exceptionalarchaeological potential then it is in the interests of the Developer to ensure rapid reporting so thatappropriate action can be taken.


3 Liaison and AccessibilityFinds are reported to relevant agencies including, but not

limited to, The Crown Estate and the relevant governmentheritage agency/curator, and where necessary theReceiver of Wreck and the Ministry of Defence.


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4.1 Activities Undertaken in 20132014During 20132014 Wessex Archaeology hasconducted three awareness visits at the requestof Developers.

Copies of the awareness DVD aimed at staff workingoffshore, or who arent able to attend an awarenesstraining session due to operational circumstances,are available. If you would like a copy of the DVDplease contact Wessex Archaeology. If there is highdemand for this resource the video can be madeavailable online.

The Implementation Service has produced twofurther issues of the popular Renewing the Past Newsletter. Issue six was distributed in autumn 2013and issue seven in June 2014. Further issues areplanned for autumn 2014 and spring 2015.

Resources to support the operation of the Protocolare available through Wessex Archaeologyswebsite. These include Renewing the Past andprevious years reports, as well as reporting andoperational guides.

A comparison of downloads from digital libraryScribd reads from 2013 to 2014 ( Table 2 , right)shows a steady increase in views for all web-basedresources. Making awareness materials availableonline will continue to be important (alongside visitsand talks held in-person) due to the operationaldifficulties inherent in visiting developments at eachstage of work.

Wessex Archaeology continues to implement the Awareness Programme in support of the Protocol. If you would like an awareness visit to refresh theknowledge of existing staff or because new staff have joined please contact Wessex Archaeology01722 326 867, [email protected] or visitwww.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/tcerenewables


4 AwarenessDuring the 20132014 reporting year, the

Implementation Service, run by Wessex Archaeology,has continued to raise awareness in support of theProtocol through the Awareness Programme fundedby The Crown Estate.

Table 2 Scribd readsScribd reads Scribd reads Scribd reads

Resource up to up to up toApril 2012 April 2013 April 2014

Renewing the Past 1 851 1088 1326



Renewing the Past 4 N/A 981 1790

Renewing the Past 5 N/A N/A 808

Renewing the Past 6 N/A N/A 401

Full text of the Protocol 988 1404 1666

Handouts 810 1056 128820102012 Report N/A 938 1202

20122013 Report N/A N/A 722

Operational guides:

Benthic Ecological Survey 78 238 353

Geophysics 85 259 395

Grapnel Survey andObstruction Clearance 85 270 393

Intertidal Cable Laying 75 256 370

Offshore Constructionand Cable Laying 354 525 640

Onshore Work 82 257 356


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5 ORPAD during 20132014

5.1 In-person AwarenessDespite a large amount of remote and online activity(including the updating of online material andcontinued production of the Renewing the Past Newsletter) there have been few requests for in-person awareness training during the past year.

Regardless of this, the scheme still appears to beoperating well. Informal feedback from peopleworking in the offshore renewables industrysuggests an awareness of the Protocol and of reporting obligations despite little personal contactwith the Implementation Service.

A high initial energy input into awareness hassustained the scheme so far but further work isnecessary in order to maintain this. A renewed inputinto awareness raising, supported by The CrownEstate, is planned for the 20142015 reporting year.

5.2 Local ProtocolsSome developments, showing dedication to theprotection of our heritage, have put their ownprotocols in place to protect material found duringwork on their schemes. The ORPAD is funded byThe Crown Estate on behalf of all wind farmdevelopments in the UK. However, if a developmenthas its own Protocol in place, finds should bereported through the local Protocol in the firstinstance.

To maintain a complete database of finds from windfarm schemes, reports relating to our culturalheritage should then be reported through ORPAD sothat details can be accessioned onto the ORPADdatabase. If a find has been fully investigated under a scheme-specific protocol, the ORPAD will recordthe finds and not report on them.

It is anticipated that the Retained Archaeologistproviding the scheme specific protocol will beresponsible for reporting in those instances.

5.3 AnchorsThe surge in the number of anchors found during

work offshore has led to the need for clarification onhow they should be treated.

Anchors are archaeologically significant and shouldbe reported through the Protocol. If an anchor isisolated (i.e. is not found with other material thatmay indicate that it forms part of a site, such as ashipwreck) and is in the way of development, it canbe moved on the seabed to a new location. Thisshould only ever be done after archaeologicalconsultation. Moving material on the seabed maycontravene a number of legislative measures put inplace to protect certain types of sites (for examplethe Protection of Military Remains Act 1986).Seeking the advice of a Retained Archaeologist or the ORPAD Implementation Service first can help toprevent future complications.

When an anchor is moved on the seabed, the newco-ordinates of its location should be reportedthrough ORPAD.

If a heritage asset such as an anchor is recovered

from the development site and is being consideredfor disposal, an alternative use should first beconsidered where possible. The national curator,Retained Archaeologist and/or ImplementationService may be able to suggest alternative uses for such assets that mean that they can be preservedfor future generations to enjoy. They should also besubject to recording to an appropriate standard atthe earliest opportunity.

5.4 Revision to Reporting Standards A summary report reviews all available dataabout a find or site and is issued to the Developerto circulate amongst the finders. This providesfeedback, promotes the Protocol and helps eliminatethe disinterest that can develop when finders reportmaterial and hear nothing back.

In some instances the information about a find issparse a grainy image from an ROVs video,camera or BlueView and a brief descriptionfrom the finders. Where the find remains onthe seabed there can be little on which tobase an archaeological interpretation. Inthese instances it is not effective to issue a

summary report.

During the 20132014 reporting year, several

operational matters have arisen, and theyare discussed below.


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A percentage of the finds reported in this reportingyear (20132014) were initially investigated as UXOand, following archaeological assessment of thedata under a client-funded project, the material wassubsequently submitted to ORPAD, based onarchaeological recommendation. In thesecircumstances, where information was sparse and

the finders were a third-party contracted to removethe threat of ordnance on site, it was deemedappropriate to forgo summary reports and streamlinethe operation. For these finds, only MIDAS reports,which allow the transference of data to nationalheritage databases, were generated.

5.5 Confidentiality and AdherenceThe number of reports received each year hasbeen increasing suggesting good uptake by industryand general adherence to the Protocol by someoffshore schemes.

Many of the Developers reporting through theProtocol request that information linking finds to their schemes is not included in publicly availabledocuments such as the ORPAD annual report andthe Renewing the Past newsletters, somethingwhich Wessex Archaeology has supported to date inorder to ensure that Developers are not deterredfrom reporting finds.

However, the lack of readily accessible informationabout which schemes are reporting finds was raisedby several correspondents during the consultation

process which led to the drafting of the revisedProtocol document. Parties outside of Wessex

Archaeology and The Crown Estate were limited intheir ability to assess how effective, and thereforevaluable, the Protocol is, as they cannot gauge howwidespread use of the Protocol is without details of where discoveries are being made.

Statistics held by the Implementation Servicesuggest that less than half of OWFs have reportedthrough the Protocol.

There are varied reasons for this:

Some schemes may implement their ownprotocols.

Others are not currently in a construction phaseor undertaking the type of pre-constructionactivities that would return or identifyarchaeological material.

The operational circumstances of some sitesinhibit the likelihood of archaeological finds.

However, it is recommended that a protocol isinitiated during the early pre-consent phases of development as a good practice measure.

It has been suggested that asking Developers whohave adopted the Protocol and not discoveredmaterial during the reporting year to file a nil returnwould help to ensure adherence and reinforceawareness of the scheme.

5.6 Dissemination After a discovery is reported and investigated,details of finds are accessioned by theImplementation Service onto national databases.These are the records that an archaeologicalconsultant will check during the production of anEnvironmental Impact Assessment for a proposeddevelopment site. Ensuring that these records arefully appraised with respect of information aboutschemes in various areas of the UK may helpinform future development offshore. Whilstthis does in some respects constitute the publicrelease of information, it does not allow aninterested party to view all of the reports raisedthrough the Protocol in one document. Includingdetails of reported finds in the ORPAD annualreport would provide a comprehensive resource of Protocol discoveries.

To date this level of dissemination has not resultedin any scheme impacts. Failure to adhere to anarchaeological Protocol where it is included as acondition of consent will present far greaterscheme impacts than timely reporting andfollowing appropriate advice in relation toarchaeological finds.

Certain Acts of Parliament are applicable offshorethat can relate to heritage. Examples include theProtection of Military Remains Act 1986 and theMerchant Shipping Act 1995. Reporting throughthe Protocol can help to discharge theseresponsibilities and details of relevant reportedfinds can be disseminated to the Ministry ofDefence and the Receiver of Wreck by theImplementation Service.


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6.1 ConsultationThe ORPAD was launched in 2010 and three yearsof operation was considered sufficient to allowcomment on how it may be improved going forwardin order to be as effective as possible for Developers, development schemes and for theprotection of our marine heritage.

Comments received were generally positive and thescheme is deemed to be an effective safety-net for protecting archaeological material recovered duringwork on offshore renewables schemes.

It was, however, suggested though that theProtocol be clarified in two directions. These areoutlined below.

6.2 The Protocol as a Safety-netThe Protocol is a safety-net which comes intooperation only after prior targeted investigation. Itdoes not, and cannot, replace archaeologicalbaseline research and mitigation undertaken in theplanning stages.

6.3 The Protocol as a Condition of ConsentIf planning consent for a development citesadherence to the Protocol (or to a protocol) as acondition of consent then reporting ceases to bevoluntary.

Considerations about adherence, outlined above inSub-section 5.5 , were also raised through theconsultation.

6.4 Revised ProtocolFollowing the consultation, the Protocol documenthas been revised and updated to reflect suggestionsraised by consultees and changes in the process of

the Protocol that have occurred during itsoperation.The revised Protocol document isavailable online via the Protocols web pages:www.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/tcerenewables

6 ConsultationThe Crown Estate opened a consultation period in

2013 to review the Protocol to date. Contractors, heritageprofessionals and government agencies were invitedto give feedback on how the scheme is operating andhow it might be improved.


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7.1 ImportanceThis Protocol is supported by The Crown Estate andby heritage curators as an effective means of protecting our offshore heritage without inhibitingdevelopment. Operating a protocol providesumbrella support for all aspects of offshore workduring marine development where it is notoperationally or economically viable to have anarchaeological presence.

It is only effective when it is promoted effectively andwhen Developers adhere to it.

The quantity and variety of discoveries reported

during the first three operational years of theProtocol clearly demonstrate the value of theOffshore Renewables Protocol for ArchaeologicalDiscoveries.

The finds that have been reported through thescheme now totalling nearly 200 separate reportsdetailing finds as diverse as cannon, anchors andpalaeoenvironmental material will be protected or preserved (at the very least by record) for futuregenerations.

7.2 The FutureWessex Archaeology will continue to run theImplementation Service on behalf of The CrownEstate. For further information contact the Implem-entation Service at [email protected] or visitwww.wessexarch.co.uk/projects/marine/tcerenewables

7 Conclusion


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wessexarchaeology

Registered Head Office Wessex Archaeology LimitedPortway House

Old Sarum ParkSalisbury SP4 6EB01722 326867www.wessexarch.co.uk

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www.thecrownestate.co.uk @TheCrown Estate

Documents

Offshore Renewables Protocol for Archaeological Discoveries - Annual Report 2013-2014