Writing in May 2018, WetlandLIFE researcher Mary Gearey, a human geographer from the University of Brighton, reflects on the persistence of human artefacts in our three in-depth case study sites in Somerset, Bedford and Alkborough, and how these tie people to valued wetland landscapes, both in the distant past and the here-and-now.

Mother duck and ducklings, Shapwick Heath nature reserve, Avalon marshes, May 11th 2018Spring has finally sprung on our wetland case study sites. Blossom fills the tree boughs, the daffodils have been and gone, and the reeds, pools and even pathways are brimming with new life. After the long hiatus of winter it has been wonderful to finally linger in these ever changing wetlands. The University of Brighton team are busy not just enjoying these spaces, but are also beginning the many fieldwork interviews that will help us really understand what these wetland spaces mean to so many different users. One of the many joys of uncovering a ‘sense of place’ in these very special landscapes is being able to walk and talk with our wonderful interviewees in the nooks and crannies of the wetlands that they love the best. This often means a meander through woodland pathways and time to stop and pause to listen to the boom of a distant bittern (my first!) or admire the delicacy of a dewy spider’s web after a rain shower. Of course, sometimes obstacles block our progress – such as these sentinel ducklings with their mother, making us wait patiently for five or so minutes before we could finally set foot upon the Sweet track – the reconstructed Neolithic wooden pathway which spans Shapwick Heath. The original footprints of this trackway, which enabled humans to easily traverse the boggy terrain found in this part of Somerset, were found by engineer Ray Sweet in 1970. He was working excavating the natural peat beds around this area, a practice which has supported the local economy for the last hundred years. These peat excavations lead to the creation of the pits which, since being artificially inundated, now form some of Shapwick Heath’s water bodies.

‘Trix and Ken’s bench’ Shapwick Heath nature Reserve, the Somerset LevelsLooking at the Sweet track, and having paused for ducklings to bumble along, made me consider past lives lived within these wetlands. For Neolithic humans these wetlands were not just work spaces but ceremonial spaces too – evidenced by valuable arrowheads found placed, rather than carelessly dropped, close to the original two kilometre trackway. Had these arrowheads been left as symbols for the passing of other lives; friends, family, kin? As possibly a mark of respect for past ancestors? This made me consider the ways in which these wetlands are used as spaces of remembrance even now. Dotted amongst all our case study sites are donated benches, with memorial plaques attached. Some, like the one below dedicated to ‘Trix and Ken’ is nestled by the side of a small copse, looking out over the reed beds. Sitting here, one watches the changing light, hears the sound of the pink footed geese on the water, feels the wind scuffling your jacket collar. No wonder it was such a special place for them.

Julian’s Bower: A medieval turf maze over-looking Alkborough Flats, North LincolnshireThis bench then becomes something else; a modern day reliquary, symbolising a cherished space, shared by two people who, though no longer with us, also wished to pass on its importance to others. It immediately made me think of ‘Julian’s Bower’, a medieval turf maze sitting on the ridge that overlooks another of our dedicated wetland sites, Alkborough Flats on the River Humber. As far as archaeologists can ascertain the ‘mizmaze’ has no functionality other than a nature-based ‘en plein air’ reproduction of the labyrinth found on the doorway floor of the village church. Yet historical records state that in the mid-18th century villagers played games in the Bower during midsummer. So although the original symbolism or meaning of Julian’s Bower is lost in antiquity, its appreciation as a human construct in the surrounding natural environment has enabled it to survive and be preserved over time. Its commanding view over Alkborough Flats has drawn many people to photograph it, sketch it and to follow the loops and swirls of its green pathway.

Wooden labyrinth; Priory Country Park BedfordshireThe playfulness of the labyrinth drew me to consider the wooden labyrinth constructed in Priory Country Park, one of our Bedfordshire wetlands’ case study sites. At almost two metres tall the wooden structure prevents the wanderer from easily finding the central space. With a mix of anticipation and apprehension you enter – getting an almost childish thrill of fearing what may be lurking around each slatted bend. Of course, it’s a peaceful, happy place – and as it’s located adjacent to the children’s play area, as your sight of the wetlands becomes obscured as you enter the maze, what is magnified are the sounds of children’s laughter and shouting. This artefact is designed for the living, to be touched and to enable the user to hide and reveal at their leisure.

Memorial plaque for the Wanderlust Rambling Club: Alkborough Flats, North Lincolnshire.So human constructs in wetland spaces can be many things – linking the past with the present, linking past lives and the people who use and enjoy these spaces now. I considered once again the bridge between the past and the present, and also the way all these wetlands are used and enjoyed differently with the changing seasons. This called me back to days of hats and gloves earlier this year. Venturing out along Alkborough Flat’s footpaths with the local council’s chief ecologist on a cold Wednesday in March, we spotted amongst the willow and hazel saplings a mossy stone, sitting hugger mugger with the snowdrops. The stone had its own small inscription, almost impossible to decipher in the close covered woodland. It reads: ‘PLANTED BY THE WANDERLUST RAMBLING CLUB TO CELEBRATE THEIR GOLDEN JUBILEE 1982’. And they’re still going strong today, thirty five years later. So remembrance is not just for times and lives past – but also an ongoing celebration and appreciation of friendship, health and wellbeing in the here and now. When is the right time of year to visit the wetlands? The answer can only ever be – the time is always right. These landscapes call to humans across time, whatever the weather, whatever the occasion.