PROFESSIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY | A GUIDE FOR CLIENTS 2024 31 Sustainable futures: archaeology and social value | CASE STUDIES The Ripple Effect Leigh Chalmers, Heritage Inclusion Manager, and Pippa Treavett, Communications Manager, Wessex Archaeology Wessex Archaeology partnered with the Environment Agency and artist James Aldridge to deliver an innovative, two-year heritage wellbeing project, The Ripple Effect. Taking inspiration from and working alongside the Environment Agency’s flood and environmental improvement project, the Salisbury River Park Scheme, the project enabled participants to gain unique insights into the ambitious flood prevention scheme and the impact of environmental change on this habitat. Drawing on the interconnectivity of people and place, the project drivers were improving wellbeing and fostering behavioural changes through positive engagement with experts. Closely aligned with the key objectives of the scheme, our project encouraged public participation. This led to the participants – guardians of the river – developing connections with the landscape and each other and a deeper understanding of the Environment Agency’s work. By exploring the themes of heritage, archaeology and ecology, participants gained a stronger sense of community and belonging through their shared experiences. A participant who had recently moved to the area said, ‘I feel more part of the city. This feels like my home.’ ‘It’s felt like a real privilege to be included and involved. We’ve been given a personal insight into the work being undertaken and how this is going to benefit Salisbury for the next half century.’ – Participant A chance for all to develop a deeper understanding of the Environment Agency’s work at Hengistbury Head (All photos: Wessex Archaeology)
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