Oct 07, 2026
MonuWoods: identifying and preserving archaeological mining relics in forests
On 5 October 2026, the kick-off meeting of the German-Czech Interreg project MonuWoods took place at the Archaeological Heritage Office of Saxony in Dresden. The project aims to systematically identify, document, assess, and preserve archaeological mining relics in the forested areas of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region.
The project focuses on identifying and mapping previously unknown archaeological sites using remote sensing and GIS, complemented by targeted field investigations. On this basis, the project partners will develop common procedures to ensure that archaeological heritage is better taken into account in forest planning and management activities. Training sessions and practical guidance will also help strengthen cooperation between archaeological heritage conservation and forestry.
Our Chair contributes particularly to the digital documentation of these relics and their interpretation in relation to vegetation and site conditions. In addition, the project results will be integrated into forestry education at TU Dresden as well as in professional training.
Coordinated by the Archaeological Heritage Office of Saxony, the project brings together partners from Saxony and the Czech Republic and will run until September 2028. It is funded by the European Union through the Interreg Saxony–Czech Republic 2021–2027 programme.
