Our work to protect Headon Warren’s past
- Last updated:
- 26 March 2025
Protecting our past: Headon Warren’s Bronze Age barrows. The National Trust, in collaboration with Warren Farm, has undertaken an important project to survey and protect the Bronze Age barrows at Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight. These ancient burial mounds, which have stood for over 4,000 years in the landscape, are a significant part of the island’s history. However, agricultural activity, burrowing rabbits, and natural erosion, compounded by the challenges of time, have put them at risk.
Surveying the barrows
In June 2023, a geophysical survey was carried out by volunteers from the Wealden Archaeological Group to assess the condition of the barrows and uncover any hidden archaeological features. Using magnetometry and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), the survey examined two known barrows preserved as visible mounds, as well as the possible locations of two others believed to have been lost to ploughing.
The findings provided valuable insights, including the presence of surrounding ditches, which could offer clues about how the barrows were originally constructed and used. It also located a third barrow to the south of the visible barrows, though ploughed flat a buried ditch survives, but no fourth one.
Why this matters
The Headon Warren barrows are designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, meaning that, as a conservation charity, the National Trust has an additional external duty to protect these important sites. Over time, however, their condition has deteriorated, with plough damage and burrowing animals taking their toll. This has led to their inclusion on Historic England’s At Risk Register. Protecting these barrows is vital for preserving a significant part of the island’s prehistoric landscape and the story of the people who have shaped it over thousands of years.
Future protection
With the results of the survey, the National Trust and Warren Farm are now developing a plan to better protect and manage the barrows, ensuring they are safeguarded for future generations. This may involve changes to land management practices and further archaeological work to fully understand their significance.
By working together, we can ensure that these ancient sites remain a visible and valued part of the Isle of Wight’s rich history.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our work at Headon Warren, please get in touch with us at isleofwight@nationaltrust.org.uk
