The future of the Lopen Villa Site

The protection of the mosaic is already in place; it was carefully covered after the recording was completed. However, the finding of the remains of this Romano-British villa and its beautiful mosaic floor gave us an idea of the importance of this house, but very little of the size of the building or the community it supported. It is hoped that if money can be found further archaeological excavations may be carried out.

Protection against future damage of historical sites
The County Council Archaeologists are required to check if any previously known sites of archaeological importance are subject to planning applications, to prevent unauthorised damage.

Countryside Stewardship Schemes can be appropriate to enable payment to be made to compensate landowners for a 10 year period to use the land in a way that will not damage an historic site.
See http://www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/landbased/css/default.htm

Tarmac Finders Award
The landowners have had their actions in allowing this important site to be excavated and recorded professionally has been recognised nationally. George Caton on behalf of himself and Nigel Osborne, went to Liverpool to receive the British Archaeological Award sponsored by the Tarmac Group on 7th November 2002. The Tarmac Finders Award is given for the best non-archaeologist who by chance discovers archaeological remains and reports them to the appropriate authorities. http://www.britarch.ac.uk/awards/baa2002.html