Site Event/Activity record ECH4577 - Site visitis to Lea Hall Moat and Aldford Castle

Lea Hall Moated site. Viewed from the road. Most of the moat is full of water at the moment, especilly the southern and eastern arms. There is a lot of scrub and tree growth within and on the sides of the arms of the moat, which will be causing damage to the monument. Furthermore there is some poaching apparent and scrub growth on the moat platform. Aldford motte and bailey castle. Viewed from the public right of way which passes through the bailey. The motte has a small number of mature trees and scrub growth upon it. Although winter, the dead brambles suggest an environment which may promote further scrub growth on this part of the monument. The bailey has a small number of trees which appear to have been planted within the scheduled area . The area is free of scrub and looks akin to managed grass in a park. The eastern arm of the ditch and bank defining the bailey contains a number of (very) veteran trees. Should these fall they have the potential to cause considerable damage to any subsurface archaeological remains in the vicinity. Some disturbance associated with a water pipe was observed near the gate by the church.