A bid has been made to Heritage Lottery for funding from their Urban Parks Programme for the restoration of Warley Woods. The park contains a Humphrey Repton landscape which was designed for the Galton family in 1795 and medieval landscape features were also thought to survive. An archaeological field survey was undertaken by Birmingham University Field Archaeology Unit and the Borough Archaeologist identified the features which were recorded. Members of the Smethwick Local History Society undertook the historic research and local residents helped the Borough Archaeologist to complete an historic tree survey. The results have shown that field boundaries, a former road, track ways and woodland boundaries survive from the pre-Repton landscape, whilst many of the Repton designed features, such as plantation embankments, ponds, avenues and buildings remain. The lottery bid has proposed the construction of a replica of the 19th century Warley Abbey for community use and restoration of the Repton landcsape and woods.

Two projects have helped to add to the knowledge of Wednesbury. An archaeological evaluation along Walsall Street has produced evidence of the town's pre-17th century iron working industries and a Watching Brief near the site of the original Manor House has identified a late medieval/early post medieval building which may be part of the Manor House complex.

Sandwell Council are also working in partnership with local groups to put together a bid for Heritage Lottery funding to assist with the restoration of the Borough's canals. The bid is called Community Lifeline and will improve access to the canal network, restore towpaths and increase public awareness of its history.

Ruth Waller
Sandwell Borough Archaeologist