The stream survey that we revived in 2003 and continud through 2003 has revealed one new site in Chinn Brook Park and a number of single burnt stones, which might indicate the presence of other nearby burnt mounds. During the earlier survey we concentrated on looking for sites in a specific area in order to understand densities of sites. Most notably a cluster was identified in the Selly Oak area. The strategy now is to study individual streams and look at distrubutions along these streams. We have now completed the Chinn Brook, at least along its Birmignham length, and this has produced a total of five sites, equally spaced, along its course and that of its tributaries.

An attempt to follow the Alderbrook in Solihull proved difficult since that stream has been largely canalised and culverted and no sites were found.

We have also been looking at the larger rivers, the Cole and Blythe (into which the Chinn Brook and the Alderbrook respectively feed) and have so far not found any burnt mound sites. This absence of sites along these rives so far seems to be a pattern throughout Birmingham. Possibly there were few sites along them in the first place or perhaps there has been greater erosion and alluviation in these larger valleys. Negative evidence is always useful!

To compensate for the lack of burnt mounds along the Blythe we have found other archaeological evidence including a massive timber platform which may be of historical date, a cobble road surface, a Mesolithic flint blade and nine golf balls (which indicate the proximity of a golf course!).

The BurntMound Survey by the Society is ongoing and will continue through 2004. The best time for the survey, because of vegetation growth is late autumn and through winter until spring. The omens for the next season are promising.

Lawrence Barfield