Two ancient mounds which may contain the remains of farmers who worked the land 4,000 years ago have been saved for posterity in Yorkshire (England). The Bronze Age burial mounds just off the A166, close to the summit of Garrowby Hill, were considered at high risk but they have been protected from the plough after tenant farmer Geoff Wray applied to Natural England's Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.
     Historic environment field advisor Yvonne Luke said: "We are very grateful. It's preserving the last resting places of the old farmers who cleared the forest and created the first fields."
     The mounds were excavated in the 19th century, but could still contain burials and other artefacts. They probably mark the burial place of a chieftain and his relatives, and would once have stood several metres high. In a spectacular position on the edge of the Wolds, and made from gleaming white chalk, they would have been visible from miles around.
     Three-quarters of ancient scheduled monuments in the East Riding considered at risk are slowly being damaged by ploughing. "Pasture is the best option for preserving earthworks and sub-surface archaeology," said Ms Luke.

Source: Yorkshire Post (8 July 2010)