CUTTING edge technology, previously used to uncover lost Mayan cities in the jungles of South America, has revealed stunning images of Wanstead Park.

As part of their research into the history of the park, members of the Wanstead Parklands Community Project (WPCP), obtained a full set of laser scanned aerial images from the Environment Agency.

LiDAR - The technology used to take the pictures - uses optical remote sensing to see through the dense layers of vegetation and map out hidden details on the surface.

The pictures reveal the outline of the terrace upon which Wanstead House once stood, as well as a great amphitheatre and fortifications which are currently smothered in vegetation.

WPCP spokesman Richard Arnopp said: “This technology has allowed us to look at the actual ground surface.

“We can see things like marks of past ploughing, 18th century gardens and other features which may be even older.

“We have made some new discoveries from looking at the images.

“There are finds that may be mediaeval agriculture on the plain that were very exciting to see.

“LiDAR demonstrates just how many features from Wanstead Park's history have survived, even where nearly two centuries of despoliation and neglect have rendered them almost invisible.”

A mosaic of the images made by WPCP member Dr Rob Wiseman recently won a prize in the University of London backed competition, Art in Research.

Dr Wiseman said: "At first glance each peice might appear to have nothing to do with the others, but close examination reveals points of connection and eventually a whole landscape emerges.”

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