Wenna Potter

Research project

Evaluating Nuclear Heritage: New and Practical Approaches to a Complex Industrial Landscape

Supervisor: Professor John Schofield (Department of Archaeology, University of York), Prof. David Jenkins (Department of Physics, University of York), Norman Bird (National Nuclear Laboratory)

Funding: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Project

The ongoing decommissioning of nuclear power stations across the UK has prompted consideration of their heritage value, as a part of the UK’s industrial landscape. The UK nuclear industry played an important role in national and international politics, providing a symbol of hope and modernity in the post-war years. Rural areas rapidly became industrial landscapes, housing cutting-edge technology and newly-formed nuclear communities. During years of operation, nuclear sites integrated into their surroundings, bringing stable industry and employment opportunities. However, many campaigns and groups oppose civil nuclear due to concerns surrounding the safety of sites, their impact on the environment, and the quantity of legacy waste produced and stored.

This PhD project will employ several methods to consider the variety of complex perspectives surrounding civil nuclear sites, and the heritage values represented. Focus is placed on the first commercial nuclear power programme, the Magnox reactors. As the first commercial nuclear power programme, the Magnox sites represent an experimental time in the development of nuclear technology. The Magnox programme comprises a total of 11 sites, 7 in England, 2 in Wales, 2 in Scotland; all are now undergoing decommissioning. Companies from around the UK were involved in the construction and supply of parts for new power stations. The rural location of nuclear power stations required greater consideration of the integration of industrial architecture into landscapes, and the utilisation of new materials pushed a distinctive new building style. Further understanding of the heritage values incorporated in Magnox sites aims to inform on the future heritage management of sites, alongside the required decommissioning process.

This PhD is supported and funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. 

Profile

I completed my History BA at the University of Lincoln in 2021, where I developed an interest in the history of architecture and design. My BA dissertation focused on expressions of national identity in the architecture of 20th century European railway stations. This led me to study Architectural History and Theory (MSc) at the University of Edinburgh which I completed in 2022. My dissertation looked at a post-war housing estate in Cardiff, and considered how the design was intended to foster ideas of community. My research interests are based around 20th century industrial and public buildings, and their interactions with landscapes and local communities.

Conference Papers

2024 CHAT

‘From silence, to static, and back again: exploring opinion on the heritage value of Magnox nuclear sites’ [upcoming]

2024 Nuclear Natures

‘The Language of Landscapes: Approaches and Opposition to Locating the UK’s Nuclear Power Stations’ [upcoming]

2024 Nordic TAG

‘UK Nuclear Landscapes: Contest and harmony in post-war industrial aesthetics’

2023 CHAT

‘UK Nuclear Heritage: Developing New and Practical Approaches to a Complex Industrial Landscape’

2023 RICOMET

‘UK Nuclear Heritage: A values-based approach to a modern industrial landscape’