ARCHAEOLOGY

Services

ARCHAEOLOGY

The identification of archaeological remains often involves a program of evaluation and the discharge of any archaeological planning conditions. This process assesses the significance of heritage assets or buried features. The results of an evaluation inform decisions about how to proceed with any necessary excavations. If significant archaeological findings are known or discovered during the evaluation, various strategies can mitigate the impact of development on these remains. We can implement a program of preservation in situ, site monitoring (known as a watching brief), design changes to avoid impacting archaeology, and excavations.

DESK BASED ASSESSMENT

We offer desk-based assessments and WSI reports. The desk-based assessment is often the initial archaeological planning requirement. This document characterizes the archaeological potential and risk for a given site, taking into account the site’s geology, landscape, known archaeology in the area, and previous excavation reports. A variety of data from site visits, topographic surveys, and GIS is collated in the report, which will recommend any necessary mitigation strategies.
If a program of archaeological fieldwork is recommended by a planning department, the next stage is to produce a WSI, or Written Scheme of Investigation. This document outlines the aims and methods for a program of archaeological works. It includes maps of the site, its archaeological and historical context, the number of trenches to be excavated, and the type of machinery to be used. Once the WSI is approved, a detailed cost estimate can be produced.