The Archaeological Planning Consultancy has been established to provide guidance and advice on archaeology and planning. It will offer through these web pages a portal to gain information and access to some of the many resources that are available (see Nosterfield web site and the Blue Bridge Lane & Fishergate House monograph). It will also provide a forum to discuss issues related to planning and archaeology and will publish occasional papers. The first of these, 'The Effects of Agricultural Practices on Archaeological Remains', was published in 2005.
Despite there being several hundred thousand known archaeological sites in England alone and probably as many still awaiting discovery, archaeology can unexpectedly jump out of the ground and provide a nasty surprise. Sometimes all that is needed to help relieve the shock is a bit of guidance on where to go to get the necessary advice. This is in fact available from a wide range of sources.
Whilst many people assume that the obvious place to start is a museum, the local authority may have its own specialised archaeological team, indeed some have their own field unit, which may prove better at providing practical advice. Examples are Northamptonshire County Council and West Yorkshire Archaeology Service.
English Heritage is organised on a regional basis and has offices which deal with everything from listed buildings to buried archaeological remains. There are also national bodies and societies as well as local archaeological societies. You can even look up archaeological contractors and consultancies under the general directories or search for them on the World Wide Web.
This is one of the Web sites you will find on such a search; in fact maybe that is how you got here in the first place.
For further information please visit Mike Griffiths
& Associates.