Heritage Assessment at St Neot Golitha Falls

The desk-based research and archaeological assessment were undertaken in accordance with the WSI (SWARCH WSI no. NGF25WSIv1), relevant guidance4 and the brief issued by Natural England. The initial site visit was undertaken on the 11th of February 2026 by F. Balmond, B. Morris, A. Nock and P. Scrivener. Return visits were made by B. Morris on the 3rd, 9th and 18th of March 2026. A walkover of the whole site was undertaken, targeting the earthwork features identified during the desk-based phase, as well as any other potential archaeological features that might be observed. Photographs of specific features and of the site more generally were taken and are included in this report. The fieldwork has established the presence of other mining and non-mining features, including structures, charcoal-burning platforms, tracks, a probable medieval or post-medieval settlement enclosure; and traced the route of the china clay slurry pit that crosses the NNR. While very few of the non-designated heritage assets identified here are individually of any great significance, collectively and in association with one another, relating to multiple and successive phases of use, they assume a much greater importance. Management recommendations are included in this report. For the most part, the durability of the mining-related features, in particular, means they are resistant to visitor pressure, but the condition of a number of the features identified is declining and some remediation measures are appropriate.