‘Wessex’ is famed for its woods, forests, reclaimed marshlands, water meadows, rivers, heaths, grasslands and coast. 'What to look for in the landscape' is concerned with the interface between natural resources on the one hand, and human activity on the other. Covering aspects of disciplines such as archaeology, geography, history and ecology and well-illustrated, the plan is to introduce learners to observe and interpret what they may see when vising rural areas, and appreciate how past peoples have shaped what they see when they visit the countryside.
Course aim
This course will provide an introduction regarding how the Wessex countryside evolved. We will cover aspects of geology, archaeology, ecosystems (e.g. chalk and limestone grasslands, heaths, woods and water meadows), and the impact of
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for beginners and improvers
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Understand the historic basis of the countryside, from prehistory to modern times
- Express how 'Wessex' historically relates to its surrounding areas
- Discuss how human activities such as agriculture, mineral exploitation, defence, ritual, transport, manufacturing and settlement have shaped our landscape
- Observe that 'semi-natural ecosystems', are created and maintained by people with economic purpose
- Understand why conservation preserves and supports management of the historic landscape of Wessex
What else do I need to know?
View full course information sheet
Geography: What to Look for in the Landscape with Dr Hadrian Cook
