Hunterheugh 2 is one of the finest panels of rock art in Northumberland. The motifs aren’t anything special, but the way in which you can see the effects of weathering are superb. I can’t think of many other places, with the possible exception of the frieze at Buttony where a single motif has been partially covered so that the viewer can see quite clearly what effects the years have on these kind of carvngs.
With Hunterheugh 2, the largest motif is almost completely worn away at the top, but fresh as the day it was pecked at the bottom. It relly improves appreciation of the other simple carvings in the area, as they have mostly been weathered to virtually nothing, but panel 2 shows what all the others must have looked like when they were fresh. For this reason, it is imperative that the turf must always be replaced to protect the fresh carvings.
Panel 3 on the other hand, is barely discernable. It’s only a couple of metres away from panel 2, but presumably has always been exposed to the elements. It’s so worn away, you would be forgiven for walking right past it without noticing a thing.
When we found panel 2 it was exposed almost as it is shown in my photographs, i removed some leaf litter, and did not remove the moss on the lower carving. I notice the difference from the time you were at the panel Hob it seemed to have a complete turf cover then, but now as i say most of the panel is totally exposed.
It wasn't complete back when I were there, Bri:
themodernantiquarian.com/post/57086
but it looks like it might have lost a couple of inches on the bottom corner since then.
I reckon you did the right thing in not lifting it further.