Are we moving in the right direction?

Archaeological monuments and sites are particularly vulnerable to damage from agricultural activities, the construction and extension of housing and holiday cabins, and natural damage such as windthrow and erosion.

Agricultural and forestry activities the main cause of damage

Agricultural and forestry activities have until now been responsible for the largest share of  damage to archaeological monuments and sites. However, damage caused by leisure activities is increasing. Even if building activities do not in themselves damage archaeological remains, activities such as gardening (for example establishing flowerbeds) or constructing viewpoints and playgrounds may be a threat.

Farmland that is no longer in active use becomes overgrown with trees and shrubs, and this is the main reason why previously registered archaeological remains can no longer be located in the agricultural landscape.

Information needed to avoid uncontrolled losses

Further steps are needed to avoid uncontrolled losses of valuable archaeological remains. Information activities are an important way of raising public awareness of the archaeological heritage and how it needs to be managed.