Purton Hulks: a letter to English Heritage

My letter to English Heritage re the Purton Hulks is below - see also previous items on this blog re Purton here (scroll down) - plus the weekends in June re researching the hulks further look fascinating - I will sadly miss both, but am sure there might be spaces if any folk are really interested. I've also again raised the issue of the hulks with Conservation Officers last week to see if SDC could do more.

Photo: One of Paul's photos of hulks - see rest here

Atten: Lord Bruce Lockhart, Dr Simon Thurley and Peter Beacham

I am sure you will be familiar with this unique site and the vessels, known as the 'Purton Hulks' (i). The 81 vessels form an important record, particularly with respect to the types of craft known to have traded on the River Severn: these include Severn Trows, sailing schooners and several types of lighter and dumb barges. I understand that in 1998 the area was subject to an assessment survey by Dr Toby Parker and a team form Bristol University. This survey, whilst it has formed the basis for more work at the site during future years, was known to be incomplete.

Several individual vessels have been surveyed by NAS volunteers in pursuance of NAS certification, and some have been ‘adopted’ by individuals within the NAS ‘Adopt A Wreck’ initiative. However, Paul Barnett, a local historian with a deep and abiding interest in the site, has adopted the whole site. His detailed examination of extensive archival material has led to individual vessels being re-appraised. In addition Paul leads walks through the site, trying to raise awareness of it. For his work last year (2007) Paul was declared the winner of the prestigious ‘Adopt A Wreck’ Award.

Paul Barnett along with others are planning further study of the hulks next month (ii). However I write to you, urging that you will consider more protection of this site. Already damage has been done to these vessels and indeed over recent weeks further vandalism has occurred.

From local press reports I understand English Heritage are reluctant to help protect this unique site that gives such an interesting historical view of life on the Severn. I would welcome a greater understanding of your view as this seems like just the sort of project that deserves your support. Indeed I read on your website that: "English Heritage exists to protect and promote England's spectacular historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood."

I look forward to hearing from you,

Cllr. Philip Booth,
Stroud District councillor for the Randwick, Ruscombe and Whiteshill ward,

Cc: Andy Burnham MP

Notes:

(i) The ‘Purton Hulks’ is the collective name for a large number of vernacular craft of different types that were deliberately hulked on the east bank of the River Severn. This activity took place over a period of years. The last known hulking was in the 1950’s.The intention of all this activity was to stabilise the bank, which was threatened with erosion due to the geological formations present in the area. The erosion process also threatened the Sharpness Ship Canal which parallels the river bank at this point.

(ii) The project will run over two consecutive weekends: 6-8 June, 14-15 June 2008. The first weekend will be used as a ‘training weekend’, giving the local community an opportunity to complete (free of charge) the ‘NAS Introduction to Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology’ qualification. This will involve ‘hands on’ practical training, leading to further development of skills as the project progresses. Training will be delivered by suitably-qualified NAS staff.
Paul Barnett of Friends of Purton on 07833143231.

Aim: To work with Paul Barnett, a local historianand community groups to extend the assessment of the Purton Hulks.
Objectives include:
a. To extend the shoreline assessment survey from the end of the 1998 survey toward the docks at Sharpness.
b. Repeat detailed surveys of hulks previously surveyed to assess ongoing environmental and humanly-caused damage.
c. To commence detailed surveys of hulks not previously surveyed and thought to be under threat.
d. To commence detailed surveys of hulks thought to be of archaeological and historical significance.
e. Provide training to local community volunteers and an opportunity to practice and develop taught skills
f. To involve the local community and generate awareness of the site, its historical significance and fragile nature.
g. With the agreement of British Waterways Association, and a satisfactory ‘Risk Assessment’, commence an ‘in water’ survey of two significant areas:
i. The ‘southern exit’ to the timber ponds.
ii. The lock pound at the Sharpness entrance to the canal.
h. Liaise fully with other interested organisations.

All project activity is to have regard for the ecological sensitivity of the area – there are several ‘Sites of Scientific Interest’ (SSSI), and conservation areas. The whole project area falls within a RAMSAR Zone.