National Trust Celebrates Removal From Heritage At Risk Register During Festival Of Archaeology

As part of this year’s Festival of Archaeology (19 July to 3 August), the National Trust is

celebrating a major conservation milestone on the Isle of Wight, with confirmation that the

Bronze Age barrows at Headon Warren are set to be removed from Historic England’s

Heritage at Risk Register.

These ancient burial mounds, dating back over 4,000 years, are a Scheduled Monument and an important part of the Island’s prehistoric landscape.

Their survival and protection have long been a concern, with gradual deterioration caused by agricultural activity, natural erosion and burrowing animals leading to their inclusion on the register.

But following a period of focused conservation work and sensitive land management, their condition has now improved significantly.

James Brown, Archaeologist for the National Trust said:

"We’re delighted to mark the Festival of Archaeology with this good news.

"These barrows connect us directly with the Island’s deep past – and this project is a brilliant example of how collaborative working, combining farming, archaeology and conservation, can safeguard heritage for the future."

The project, delivered in partnership with Warren Farm and supported by the Wealden

Archaeological Group, included a geophysical survey in 2023 to assess the barrows’

condition and explore the surrounding landscape.

The survey revealed significant archaeological features, including surrounding ditches that offer insight into how the barrows were constructed and used.

It also identified a third, previously lost, barrow surviving below ground.

The findings have directly informed a new conservation management approach, supported through Countryside Stewardship, which will ensure the barrows continue to be protected as part of an actively farmed and biodiverse landscape.

Otis Gilbert, Heritage At Risk Project Officer at Historic England, said:

“By working together, the condition of the scheduled monument has vastly improved and is also better protected - the area covered by scheduling has been extended to include the newly discovered barrow.

"The local community can enjoy this fabulous site within its impressive landscape well into the future knowing it is well looked after.

"This project shows the power of volunteer archaeologists and partnerships within conservation work to save, understand and enhance our shared historic environment, showcasing the spirit of the Festival of Archaeology.”

This announcement comes as part of the Festival of Archaeology 2025, a national celebration of the UK’s rich archaeological heritage, inviting people to discover the stories

hidden beneath our feet and the work being done to protect them.

This year’s festival theme – Archaeology and Wellbeing – highlights how connecting with the past can have a meaningful impact on personal wellbeing.

Bob Williams, Volunteer, said:

"I participated in the geophysical surveys at Headon Warren barrows organised by James Brown, National Trust Archaeologist.

"As well as discovering a third unknown barrow we also contributed to the future preservation of this heritage site.

"It was a pleasure to take part in this important project as a National Trust volunteer."

The Festival of Archaeology encourages people to engage with the past in ways that boost

wellbeing – from time in nature, to learning new skills and connecting with others.

Find out more about Festival of Archaeology events with the National Trust here.