Langdale/ Scafell Pike Neolithic Axe Factory Management Project. Interim Report 1991/ 1992

In response to the rapidly deteriorating condition of the Neolithic axe factories around the summits of the Langdale Pikes, a management programme has been established to record and consolidate the fragile working-sites. It is undertaken jointly by the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit and the National Trust and is financed by English Heritage and the National Trust.
Axe factory groups exposed by foot-paths were in the most immediate need of consolidation work and the first season of work (1990/1991) concentrated on the Harrison Path group, which has been severely damaged by both water erosion and visitor pressure. A comprehensive survey and a series of excavations were undertaken in advance of extensive path repair work. Two other path site groups (Thorn Crag & Harrison Combe) were also surveyed and a monitoring programme was established throughout the Langdale and Scafell Pike areas to determine the extent of erosion on all the sites.