Rock Art Care

The Rock Art CARE app has been designed to record the condition and management status of open-air rock art, also known as cups and rings, in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, although it can be used and adapted for other parts of the world. Scientists and heritage practitioners at Newcastle University and Queen’s University Belfast developed the data fields with input from members of the public and people who have responsibility for the caring for rock art. It includes a series of variables that will help to identify rock art panels that are at risk and require management intervention. The CARE app is primarily intended for people with decision-making responsibility for safeguarding these ancient and vulnerable heritage resources. Anyone can use the app, however, and their reports will contribute to the growing knowledge about the condition of open-air rock art. Completed reports will be distributed to the CARE project team and heritage officials in the counties in which the rock art is located.
People who download the app will be asked to register so that they can view their reports on an ongoing basis. The app allows people to record details and images offline for upload later to the database website. To use this app, you require a GPS or location enabled device.
The app is supported by an extensive Help menu and all data fields are designed to be completed by non-specialists. Additional information about using this app, viewing your reports and accessing management guidance can be found at http://rockartcare.ncl.ac.uk/. For information about the CARE project please see: https://research.ncl.ac.uk/heritagescience/

The data fields include:
Panel Name
Panel Number
Does this panel have Statutory Protection?
Location of Panel
Recorder (auto filled with registration of name)
Role
Current Land Use
Land Status
Impact Within 10 Metres of Panel
Direct Human Impact on Panel
Direct Animal Impact on Panel
Presence or Potential for Standing Water on Panel
Cracks on Panel
Maximum Panel Height (Centimetres)
Algae Coverage
Lichen Coverage
Moss Coverage
Panel Surface Instability
Motif Condition Stage
Motif Angle
Motif Direction
Any Further Comments