services

Services

Desk-based assessment

A desk-based assessment (DBA) often precedes evaluations in the field and is undertaken prior to a planning application to assess the archaeological potential of a site by using archival records, historic maps and aerial photograph interpretation.

Environmental impact assessment

With large-scale developments a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required in advance of a project. (EIAs) should show the effects of a proposed development on material assets and the cultural heritage,including the development's effects on Schedualed Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and other archaeological sites.

Briefs, Specifications and Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI)

An Archaeological brief is usually issued by the archaeological advisor to the planning department, this will explain what archaeological intervention is required to clear the archaeological condition. It will then be upto the developer to engage an archaeologist/archaeological company on their behalf to undertake any archaeological work. The archaeologist or archaeological company will then write either a specification or written scheme of investigation in response to the brief issued. Only when the specification or WSI has been passed as satisfactory then may the developer proceed with any archaeological works on the site.

Field survey

On larger sites, a non-intrusive evaluation by field walking, metal detecting and geophysical survey may be suitable in order to identify areas of higher potential for further evaluation and can sometimes be part of an (EIA).

Watching brief

Watching briefs are generally undertaken during the construction phase of new building or during soil-reduction prior to landscape preperation. This will involve an archaeologist being present on site to monitor the works and identify and report on any potential archaeological remains.

Evaluation is generally undertaken as an appraisal of the site and intended to provide a better understanding of the archaeological implications of proposed works upon a development site. A qualified archaeologist or team of archaeologists will undertake the evaluation to determine the presence of archaeology, its extent, depth, period, character and preservation. These works will result in a written report detailing the findings and this will enable the county/planning archaeologists to recmmend further courses of action if appropriate.

Usually only necessary when no other alternative to preserving the archaeological site can be found and/or a valid research project has been established to investigate a predetermined goal.

Historic building survey

Historic building survey can be conducted if it is proposed to demolish or alter a building of either known date or potential antiquity, and to identify any medieval/post-medieval structural remains.

Currently there are four levels of recording concerning historic buildings. The level required will depend upon the individual building and the recomendations of the local planning archaeologist.

Level 1:

Photographs, sketches and notes on the structure and history of the building.

Level 2:

Photographs, ground plan phasing with a description of each room and exterior and also a description of the
historic map

development and history of the building.

Level 3:

Photographs, ground plan phasing, main elevations, descriptions of each room and exterior and also a description of the buildings development and history some samples of the uildings fabric may also be required.

Level 4:

Photographs, floor plan phasing, all elevations, detailed description of the development of the building and its history. Also, an examination of the building fabric, paint, wallpaper and mortar samples and further research leading towards publication.

Geophysical survey