The public archaeology project aims to record the fragile, nationally important heritage of England’s coast and the foreshores of its tidal estuaries.

Dramatic changes in weather patterns, demonstrated all too clearly by recent storms, floods and tidal surges, threaten to destroy irreplaceable archaeological remains. Rising sea levels and constant pounding from high waves and intense winds mean much of England’s history is simply being washed away. The remains of prehistoric forests, Roman forts and villas, medieval ports, and countless abandoned ships are all at risk.

The CITiZAN project aims to create a national network of volunteers, providing them with the skills and systems to record, monitor and celebrate these highly significant but fragile archaeological sites. Initial funding from the HLF, coupled with matched funding from the Crown Estate, enables the team at MOLA to develop the project and submit a delivery grant application later this year to support a major three-year community programme.

The plan is to establish centres in London, York and Portsmouth, with future partners the Council for British Archaeology and the Nautical Archaeological Society. The resulting record will become a publicly available online resource.

CITiZAN plans to record the following sites at risk of erosion:

• Meols, Merseyside: a prehistoric Roman and medieval trading port on the north coast of the Wirral
• Chichester Harbour, Hampshire: Iron Age & Roman saltworking sites & the Roman port of Fishbourne
• Severn Estuary: with archaeological remains on Minehead, Blue Anchor, St Audrie’s & Stolford Bays

Taryn Nixon, Chief Executive of MOLA, said: "We are thrilled at the HLF support for this project. We cannot halt the erosion or destruction of some of these sites but we can ensure that the information about the remains is not lost. By creating a standardised, web-based recording system and providing training and new skills, we see this as an extraordinary opportunity for people across the country to create a lasting record that will benefit us all for years to come."

Bob Bewley, Director of Operations at HLF, said: "These are wonderful proposals! We were impressed that MOLA and partners have really thought about how best to engage volunteers in recording some of our most vulnerable coastal archaeology. This is another decisive step in ensuring our island’s heritage isn’t washed away. HLF’s initial support with development funding up front will enable this formidable partnership project to move forward with planning the project and we look forward to working closely with MOLA over the coming year."

Gary Thompson, Coastal Manager at the Crown Estate, said: "The Crown Estate is currently funding part of the CITiZAN project through our marine stewardship fund; we recognise the importance of recording our coastal and marine history for future generations and are pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund has matched our commitment. We look forward to continuing to support the project going forward."

Notes to editors

MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) provides independent advice and professional services in archaeology and built heritage, to its support property and infrastructure sector clients to build for the future. With offices in London, Northampton and Birmingham, MOLA’s 250 staff help to discharge planning conditions efficiently and cost effectively. Experts in challenging urban, waterfront and infrastructure schemes, MOLA has developed a reputation for far-reaching research and education programmes that add value to new development schemes and benefit communities. Further information can be obtained at MOLA's website.

The Crown Estate’s Marine Stewardship Fund supports initiatives and scientific research that help to promote long-term sustainable management of its marine portfolio. Find out more on the Crown Estate website.

Further information

For more information, images or interviews please contact Nicola Kalimeris on 020 7410 2240, email: nkalimeris@mola.org.uk.