Welsh Journals

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Survey PWLLFAWATKIN, NEATH PORT TALBOT (SN 697 085) An archaeological assessment was undertaken in advance of a possible development centred on Pwllfawatkin, near Pontardawe. The assessment identified thirty-two archaeological features within the study area, reflecting a largely agricultural landscape overlain by mining on a small scale in the late nineteenth century and more intensive deep mining by the Duke and Abernant collieries. The large numbers of prehistoric monuments on the ridges form part of an extensive ritual landscape, including cairns, cairnfields, a stone circle and a possible chambered tomb at Cam Llechart. Natalie Swords and Martin Locock Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust (Contracts Division) PEN Y CASTELL PARC, CYMMER, NEATH PORT TALBOT (SS 855 955) A desk-based assessment was commissioned by AMEC in support of an Environmental Statement for a proposed leisure village development. The application area is a small tract of forestry, Pen y Castell Parc (also known as Caerau Park Wood), situated between Maesteg and Glyncorrwg. Already recorded archaeological features comprise a Bronze Age round cairn; Pen y Castell Farm (demolished in the early 1970s to make way for forest planting) and a trackway, Heol y Moch (Pig Way). The track is manifested by a well-preserved, if very overgrown, hollow way where it traverses Pen y Castell Pare. A field-visit was undertaken in July 2001, during which sections of collapsed Pennant sandstone dry-stone walling were observed, well- hidden under the dense forest canopy. A length of well-preserved wall, which was pierced by a 'sheep creep', was recorded close to the ruins of Pen y Castell Farm. Aerial photographs demonstrated that these field boundaries, the extent of which can only be glimpsed on the ground, had dictated the planting of trees in blocks, which largely respected the existing field system. Dry-stone walls are enduring elements of the landscape, but are