Commentary on Sections Part 2: Ancient Monuments Etc Section 22 – Meaning of “monument” in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
129.Section 22 amends the definition of a monument in subsection (7) of section 61 of the 1979 Act (interpretation) to include sites that provide evidence of past human activity but are devoid of structures or works.
130.Many important archaeological sites in Wales, particularly those from the distant Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods, consist of nothing more than artefact scatters or other insubstantial traces of human activity.
131.New section 61(7)(d) will enable sites of national importance that provide evidence of past human activity to be designated as scheduled monuments by the Welsh Ministers.
132.Section 22(3) applies the Government of Wales Act 2006 definition of “Wales” to allow the scheduling of non-structural sites out as far as the seaward boundary of the territorial sea.