8 C O N T E X T 1 3 8 : M A R C H 2 0 1 5 and low-relief mystical carvings. These were found in a cave excavated from soft chalk less than a metre below Melbourne Street in the centre of Royston, Hertfordshire. The Royston Cave is listed Grade I and scheduled. The bell-shaped structure, which probably dates from the 14th century, was rediscovered in the 18th. The authors address the issues of the dating and deterioration of the carvings; the problems of the microclimate and the necessary conservation measures required, including the control of water ingress; air exchange and carbon dioxide; traffic vibration from above; and control of the worm population in the compacted soil of the cave floor and openings in the walls. A paper on terrestrial laser scanning for the assessment of building structures demonstrates how this valuable technique can accurately identify geometric deviations in masonry when combined with primary documentary sources, and lead to a better understanding of the behaviour of the building. This technique is described in relation to work carried out on the gothic vaults in the Cathedral of Tortosa, Spain. Other papers include ones on wind catchers, cisterns and ice houses as key structures in the survival of cultural significance in the desert environments of Iran; renewable energy plans and the protection of the historic environment in Greece; and the thermal performance and modernisation of traditional halftimbered houses in Serbia. This last one may be of more than passing interest because of lessons that might be drawn from a comparative evaluation of the thermal upgrading of vernacular dwellings in a country where winters are more severe than in lowland Britain, where so many similar historic buildings survive. Particular attention in the latest issue of the Historic Environment: policy and practice (Vol 5, No 3, November 2014) is drawn to Helen Philips’ paper on mitigation strategies for the possible impact of climate-change on UK world heritage site management. Such strategies have been a requirement since 2006. The paper examines the progress that has been made so far to identify the main challenges. While world heritage site management plans are gradually being updated to include climate-change considerations, this has not always been straightforward and implementation of the plans has proved to be challenging. It is not surprising to note that some of the issues being faced include uncertainty about the nature of the issue; a perceived lack of necessary information; the wide range of specialist skills and knowledge required; differing perceptions of risk; and competing pressures for resources. Another issue with resonance to UK experience is a paper by Suzie Thomas of the University of Helsinki about the theft of architectural fixtures and fittings in Finland, a country with an enviable reputation for good modern design. Many of these items relate to the works of iconic modernist architect Alvar Alto. They are illustrated with case studies. The author discusses the possible causes of this distressing phenomenon, the legal protections available in Finland and possible measures for greater protection. Other articles of interest include one by Michael Heaton, a self-employed archaeologist with 30 years experience, comparing the contracting practices and profits from commercial archaeology with those of the construction industry. Heaton argues that until archaeologists adopt or emulate construction management practices, they will be unable to afford the training required and generate the rewards that stem from continued public support. He concludes with recommendations concerning the gains that the adoption of measured contracts might bring. The two remaining papers contrast conservation in the two Chinas:Taiwan, where community empowerment is promoted in a paper byWensung Den of the University ofYork; and the mainland, where ZijanTang of Jishou University outlines the damaging impact of intensive and inappropriate tourism development caused by the present institution of property rights for heritage.The second author concluded that this can be resolved only by far-reaching, centrally directed reform. Readers of this column with good memories (and an interest in railways) may recall Nicholas Bill’s comprehensive review in February 2014 of the safety record of thousands of mid-19thcentury British timber railway bridges. The author has followed this up with a further paper in the latest issue of the Institution of Civil Engineers Proceedings on Engineering History and Heritage (Vol 167, issue EH4, November 2014). This concerns the design and construction deficiencies of timber railway bridges. It sets out to determine if the problems were ones of decay or deficiencies in their design and construction. He argues that many 19th-century timber bridges lasted well beyond their design life, despite decay. Most of the problems affecting their lifespan were the results of erroneous design practices coupled with poor construction and maintenance, rather than inherent material deficiency. Other papers that may interest readers include a short engineering critique by DavidWiggins and Agnieszka Klemm of Glasgow Caledonia University about the need for compatible repairs to stone-built structures; the first railway built in Mexico (completed 1873); and the maintenance process to a significant three-arch road bridge of 1867 inWinchelsea, Victoria, Australia – particularly investigating a reliable way of removing cement mortar and regrouting the voussoirs. Geographical identification protection normally applies to agricultural products such as champagne and
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