Fieldwork
Archaeological companies such as ours are often synonymous with commercial development and the construction industry. For the majority of developers their introduction to archaeological planning conditions relates to the requirement for the ‘…implementation of a suitable scheme of archaeological works’. In many cases the nature of the required work is not specified leaving the developer unsure as to their obligations to the heritage.
Do You Have an Archaeological Planning Requirement?
Archaeological Planning Conditions, imposed by Local Authority Planners, usually require one of four fieldwork services: desk-based assessment; watching brief; evaluation or excavation. These terms relate to the scope of the archaeological work required. If there are standing buildings of historic significance, Local Authority Planners may also require building recording.
Your archaeological project will be co-ordinated by one of our Project Managers, who will consult with you throughout the entire process to ensure that your project runs as smoothly as possible, helping you make informed decisions. In the event of unexpected discoveries being made during construction, AOC can provide a rapid response service to minimise disruption to a development schedule.
We work to extremely tight deadlines, with short lead-in and turn around times, without compromising the quality of our service or the product. We are well-respected by fellow professionals in national agencies and local authorities, a crucial requirement when negotiation for a client’s desired planning outcome is required.
Desk-based assessment
A desk-based assessment often constitutes the initial stages of an archaeological project and allows the heritage and its setting to be mapped and assessed. This primary stage involves reference to a number of documents, maps, archives and photographs.
Evaluation
Often, prior to development, site and/or landscape evaluations are necessary. Such surveys can involve a number of techniques, such as fieldwalking or geophysical survey. Often, small-scale trial-trenching is necessary, this sample evaluation necessary to assess the nature and depth of hidden remains.
Watching briefs
Sometimes the archaeological remains identified in a desk-based assessment or evaluation are of limited nature. This often leads to the local council archaeologists recommending a watching brief on ground-breaking work, rather than a full excavation.
Excavation
Depending on various circumstances, it is often necessary to undertake large-scale excavations. This is necessary as the development will destroy the heritage for all time. An excavation programme of works includes careful examination of the heritage, accurate and detailed recording of that resource and recovery of salient artefacts, ecofacts and other environmental remains. This fieldwork component is complimented by post-excavation analysis.