The PRISM project (Preservation by Record of Ireland’s Shell Middens) is a citizen science participatory mapping scheme initiated by researchers from University College Dublin and University College Cork.
The project is developing digital mapping tools which will help volunteer citizen scientists to record observations about the impacts of climate change and human activities on coastal shell middens in their community.
COMING SOON
We are preparing to launch our web-based midden mapping platform. Check back soon for updates!
Objectives
Climate awareness
To raise awareness and help build resilience to climate change impacts in Irish coastal communities
Citizen science
To promote citizen science through the use of digital tools and participatory mapping to record vulnerable coastal shell midden sites
Engagement
To foster pride in Ireland's coastal heritage for volunteer citizen scientists through education, training, and a two-way flow of information
Co-creation
To draw on our experience and connect with stakeholders across various sectors to work toward more effective mitigation strategies
What are shell middens and why are they important?
Shell middens are a valuable archaeological resource with the potential to shed light on many aspects of human interaction with coastal environments over time. Over 500 midden sites are recorded along the Irish coastline, dating from the earliest settlement of the island right through to the modern era. Understanding past human-coastal interactions can assist researchers, policy makers, and community leaders in developing new approaches and building resilience along the coast today. Unfortunately, coastal middens are increasingly being lost and irreversibly damaged as a consequence of both natural and anthropogenic factors.
The PRISM Project is working with local communities to take practical steps toward mitigating these impacts.
Recorded archaeological shell middens in Ireland
The interactive map above shows all of the archaeological middens recorded by the National Monument Service (NMS) in the Republic of Ireland. Use this map to explore whether or not there are shell middens in your local area!