Glossary

Archaeology

The systematic study of past human life and culture by the recovery and examination of remaining material evidence, such as graves, buildings, tools, and pottery.

Back on the Map

Regeneration programme aimed at the East End and Hendon areas of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear.

Bronze Age

A period of human culture between the Stone Age and the Iron Age, characterized by the use of weapons and implements made of bronze.

Conservation

The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and of natural resources such as forests, soil, and water.

Dene

A steep sided wooded valley through which a stream runs.

Durham Heritage Coast Management Plan 2005-2010

Covering managing the Durham Heritage Coast, including vision and objectives.

Fauna

Animals

Flora

Plants

Geology

The scientific study of the origin, history, and structure of the earth.

Gill

A ravine – valley or gorge in the earth’s surface worn away by running water.

Heritage

Property that is or can be inherited; an inheritance. Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition.

Heritage Coast

Stretches of undeveloped coastline defined by the Countryside Agency as being of outstanding scenic value where resolution of conflicts is needed between recreation, conservation, public access and agriculture.

Heritage Coast Partnership

The management group of the above area.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management

A multisectoral approach with involvement of stakeholders to managing the coastal zone.

Inter-tidal Zones

The zone bteween the high and low water marks.

Iron Age

The period in cultural development succeeding the Bronze Age in Asia, Europe, and Africa, characterized by the introduction of iron metallurgy. In Europe it began around the eighth century B.C.

Limekilns

A furnace used to reduce naturally occurring forms of calcium carbonate to lime.

Littoral

Coastal region; shore.

Magnesian Limestone

Describes the structure of the cliff top areas on the Durham Coast.

Marine

Of or relating to the sea

Mesolithic

Of or relating to the cultural period of the Stone Age between the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, marked by the appearance of microlithic tools and weapons and by changes in the nature of settlements.

Neolithic

Of or relating to the cultural period of the Stone Age beginning around 10,000 B.C. in the Middle East and later elsewhere, characterized by the development of agriculture and the making of polished stone implements.

Pillbox

A low-roofed concrete emplacement for a machine gun or anti-tank gun.

Ridge and Furrow

The term ridge and furrow is often used by archaeologists and others to describe the pattern of peaks and troughs created in a field and caused by the system of ploughing used during the Middle Ages in Britain.

Roman

Of or relating to ancient or modern Rome or its people or culture. Of or relating to the Roman Empire.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI’s)

SSSI’s are designated areas and not necessarily owned by a conservation organisation or by the Government, they can be owned by anybody. The designation is primarily to identify those areas worthy of preservation. An SSSI is given certain protection against damaging operations, there is a list of what can and cannot be done on SSSI. The status also affords a certain amount of planning protection, but in practice this is sometimes not sufficient to prevent development.

Special Protected Area (SPA)

Areas designated under the EU birds directive.

Terrestrial

Living or growing on land, not aquatic.

Turning the Tide

A £10m programme of environmental improvements to regenerate the coast of Durham between 1996 – 2002.

Turning the Tide Partnership

The Partnership of organisations that undertook the major regeneration of the Durham Coast between 1996-2002.