Megan Kirkpatrick

Volunteering for EAMENA provides me with valuable insight into the processes which link interpretative research with heritage management. It is also a great opportunity to continue developing skills in remote sensing.

I am an Archaeology DPhil student at the University of Oxford and my research focuses on the siting patterns of castles built in Wales between c.1066–1282. Using geoprocessing tools within ArcGIS Pro, I am analysing features of the landscape to evaluate their impact on the form and function of each castle. One of the aims of this study is to inform the way these heritage sites are managed. 

Alongside my DPhil studies I am working part-time as a research assistant for the Winchester Excavations Committee and separately on a part-time consultancy basis for Professor Martin Biddle and St Albans Cathedral. 

What links these interests, and encouraged me to volunteer for EAMENA, is a recognition of the utility of interpretative research in informing heritage policy. EAMENA’s work actively demonstrates the process which translates identification and analysis of archaeological sites into plans for their future preservation and protection. 

My DPhil research focus enables me to spend a considerable amount of time in the Welsh landscape, with an exuberant Labrador, Bertie – an enthusiastic assistant come rain or shine. My other interests are sailing, long distance walking, and running. 

Keywords

Wales, landscape archaeology, medieval castles, GIS, policy, heritage management 

Please contact me via my LinkedIn Profile or on megan.kirkpatrick@arch.ox.ac.uk