Visitors to a popular swimming spot in south Wales have been warned not to remove items from the site after changes at the location. Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, said there has been interest about the current low water levels at Keeper's Pond in Blaenavon.
Low water levels uncover archaeological material
The organisation said falling water levels have uncovered some archaeological material at the site. Keeper's Pond, also known as Pen-ffordd-goch Pond, is a well-known attraction and hiking destination on the slopes of the Blorenge, as well as a popular swimming spot during the summer months.
Cadw's notice comes after Wales has experienced a very dry and hot summer. People were recently warned not to swim at the pond while it was being used as an important operational base for emergency services who were fighting wildfires.
Historic infrastructure exposed
Earlier this month Torfaen council said people were still trying to swim in the pond despite it being used to refill water for a firefighting helicopter. Cadw has warned the low water level in the pond has exposed items which may appear to be litter but could actually be archaeologically significant items which may help to tell the area's past.
The organisation has asked members of the public not to remove items from the exposed areas as there are concerns it could damage archaeological evidence associated with the 19th century industrial workings around the pond. There are bottles, beams, pegs and pipes which were cleared by locals before Cadw issued a message.
Cadw's appeal to visitors
"We've seen lots of interest in the current low water levels at Keeper's Pond, Blaenavon, and the debris that has been revealed as a result," Cadw said. "While some exposed items may appear to be litter Keeper's Pond is part of a scheduled monument and falling water levels can uncover archaeological remains and features which help tell the story of the monuments past.
"Some of the metalwork and timber currently visible may form part of historic infrastructure associated with the monument. We kindly ask visitors not to remove items from the exposed areas at this time as doing so could unintentionally damage or remove important archaeological evidence."
Cadw is working with partners on an appropriate way forward.
