The Brownslade Barrow Project 2004-06, run by the South Pembrokeshire Ranges Recording Advisory Group (Wales), unearthed an archaeological monument on a Bronze Age burial mound. More than 1000 bone fragments, some of them human, were found at the site. They are currently being analysed by specialists at the University of Lampeter, Ceredigion.
     Brownslade Barrow on Castlemartin Range is a bronze age burial mound designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In 2001 range staff noticed human bones on the ground close to the barrow, they had been disturbed by badgers living close to the monument. Carbon dating revealed that these bones came from a cemetery dating from the early medieval period. Action was required to prevent further disturbance to this newly discovered cemetery and to stop the badgers reaching the protected area.
     The project worked to rehouse the large badger population and then arranging for archaeologists to carry out excavation of the site. Work on the site continues and badger proof fences have been erected to safeguard the undamaged areas and preserve the nationally important barrow. Continuous monitoring of this site will provide information for other landowners and managers who look after important archaeological sites.
     The Pembrokeshire group won the silver otter award for their efforts, which was presented at a prize ceremony at the Imperial Museum in London. "The project was very well planned and executed. It was particularly exciting to learn what the excavation revealed, gratifying to be able to protect this important monument and satisfying to know that the badgers are safely settled into their new home," said Lt Col Johnny Rogers, Chairman of the group.

Source: Western Telegraph (18 October 2007)