Continuing Professional Development Archaeology and construction projects

areas, and/or an archaeological watching brief (monitoring of construction activities and inclusion of a stopping brief so that archaeological investigation and recording can be undertaken if remains are discovered during construction activities). This would correspond with RIBA stages 4–5.

The LPA might require important

archaeological remains present on a site to remain undisturbed in situ, (avoidance mitigation strategy, frequently called conservation measures or preservation in situ) or building over/around them in a manner that they are not harmed (known as an engineered mitigation strategy). Where there are important

archaeological remains on a development that have to be avoided or engineered over/around, it is useful to gain information about this at the earliest possible opportunity so that this can be “designed in” to the project. In some cases, the presence of highly signifi cant heritage assets on a site (such as previously unidentifi ed nationally important remains, or human burials) could prevent development altogether.

Post-excavation work A major element of any archaeological project will be the work required after the site work has been completed, generally known as “post-excavation” (RIBA stages 6-7). This can take up a large part of the overall budget and take longer than the site work, especially if much specialist work is required. The post-excavation archaeological

work is normally part of a planning condition and will vary according to the nature of the work being undertaken. A typical programme of post-excavation work would initially include processing of the fi nds and site records and assessment of the samples/records gathered during site work, so that a statement on the potential for analysis and resourcing requirements can be output as a Post- excavation Assessment and Updated Project Design (PXAUPD) document. This report allows agreement between the client, the archaeological supplier and the LPA over the extent of analysis and reporting. The post-excavation programme would then continue with specialist analysis (for example pottery, stone tools, wooden objects, food

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One of eight prehistoric log-boats found in the channel of the Old River Nene at Hanson’s Must Farm clay pit, Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, in 2011

remains, metallurgy, or ecofacts — organic material that reveals details about the past environment). The next stages would be further comparative research, interpretation of the integrated results of analysis, production of a report, publication, dissemination of the results, indexing, organisation and deposition of the site archive at an approved repository (museum), obtaining transfer of title from the legal owner (developer or landowner) and any conservation work on the fi nds. As with the archaeological site work, it is vital that the post-excavation programme is factored in to the overall

development programme and advice should be sought by the project design team early on in the planning process.

Quality assurance Commercial archaeology in the UK is generally unregulated, which means that there are presently no professional barriers to entry for setting up as an archaeological company. The Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers (FAME) and the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) are the two principal organisations for the commercial sector of archaeology, but membership of either is

Tips for archaeological work on developments

As with the archaeological site work, it is vital that the post- excavation programme is factored in to the overall development programme

● The sooner any potential archaeology on your site is considered, the greater the chance of mitigating risk in later stages of the project, for example before land or property is acquired or other commitment is made. ● Undertake studies and site investigation at an early stage, in the same way as early topographical, geotechnical, ecological, land quality, fl ood risk, hydrology, highways etc. ● Pre-application discussions with a commercial archaeological organisation and/ or the LPA help in identifying heritage constraints and means to mitigate the impacts of the proposed development on them. ● Establish a procurement protocol for the archaeological work such as that developed by the Federation of Archaeological Managers & Employers (FAME). ● Engage the services of an accredited archaeological organisation, preferably one registered with the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) that will undertake all the work to recognised professional standards. ● Treat known and potential archaeology, on your site as a project risk. Do not assume nothing is there, or that it would have been destroyed by modern activities. Never leave commissioning archaeological assessment work until a planning application has been

submitted. ● When commissioning work such as a geotechnical investigation, include an archaeologist to observe the operations as this could provide valuable evidence for use later in the planning process. ● Where there are conditions for archaeological work attached to a planning consent, ensure that the full scope of work required to satisfy them is fully understood and their implications included in project planning and budgeting. “A programme of archaeological work” can be applied to different types of work. Ensure proper evaluation of tenders for archaeological work. ● Ensure that the “post-excavation” element of the archaeological work has been fully resourced, including provision for publication. ● Consider the public relations value of the archaeological work being commissioned in terms of what it contributes to local historical knowledge and the way it can enhance the sense of place for the local community. This could involve open days, participation of local people in the work and permanent displays (at the site or in the public realm such as a local museum). ● Consider taking out archaeological risk insurance.

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Photograph: SLR Consulting