Archaeological Research & Mitigation
Our highly experienced team provide comprehensive archaeological investigation services, including survey, evaluation, watching brief, and excavation
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Project Planning
& Research
We have experience of designing and setting up archaeological investigations of all scales.
Effective project design is essential to deliver high-quality archaeological investigations on time and within budget. Our team guides clients through every stage, helping them identify requirements, research agendas, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. We produce detailed Written Schemes of Investigation and Method Statements tailored to each project, outlining the approach for archaeological mitigation.
Our project design ensures that all necessary steps are taken to protect cultural heritage while facilitating development, supporting clients in navigating the complexities of heritage management.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Archaeological Evaluation
An Archaeological Evaluation usually consists of trial trenching, the results of which determine the level of archaeological survival and whether there is a need for more detailed investigation.
Trial trenching establishes the depth and character of any surviving archaeological deposits or features. The aim of Archaeological Evaluation is to determining the archaeological character of a site and whether further archaeological mitigation is required.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Archaeological Survey
An Archaeological Survey is a systematic process of locating, documenting, and evaluating archaeological sites or archaeological potential in a specific area.
An Archaeological Survey may inform the need for further below-ground investigation prior to development. A team of archaeologists walk a site or landscape methodically, collecting artefacts from the surface and documenting any visible remains. A concentration of finds in a specific area is often a good indicator of subsurface remains and provides a focus for further investigation.
More extensive areas can be surveyed in a similar manner but using vehicles to cover greater areas, however with lower resolution. Archaeological Survey may incorporate other methods such as Geophysical Survey, and Aerial Survey.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Aerial Survey & UAV Drone Survey
Features that are not visible on the ground often become visible when viewed from the air.
Aerial photography uses the effects of shadow to reveal slight differences in ground level and variations in soil colour or the density of crop growth to indicate buried features.
Aerial Surveys can utilise existing aerial images or UAV Drone Surveys can provide new high-resolution geo-rectified images. A drone may also be employed to inspect otherwise inaccessible parts of buildings or landscapes.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Archaeological Watching Brief
An archaeological Watching Brief is usually undertaken to monitor groundworks on sites where there is either a history of or likelihood of archaeological remains.
Working in conjunction with developers invasive ground works (such as foundation or utility trenching) are monitored to ensure any archaeology present is fully recorded.
If significant remains are encountered further archaeological investigation and recording may be required.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Archaeological Excavation
Archaeological Excavation can be undertaken for research or to mitigate for a development project, by recording and removing archaeological deposits (preservation my record).
Within a development setting excavation is likely to be required where the archaeological remains are of such significance that a programme of detailed investigation and recording of buried deposits is required.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Geophysical Survey
Our geophysical survey service provides a rapid, non-intrusive method for detecting potential sub-surface archaeology.
We employ a variety of advanced techniques, including magnetometry, resistivity, magnetic susceptibility, and ground-penetrating radar. Each method is chosen based on the specific geology, soil conditions, and type of archaeological features present at the site.
Our surveys are ideal for identifying and mapping subsurface features without disturbing the site, helping clients make informed decisions before excavation. With years of experience in the Middle East, we offer precise, reliable results, ensuring efficient planning for heritage management and archaeological investigations.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH & MITIGATION
Post-Excavation Analysis & Recording
Post-Excavation is the process of analysis, cataloguing and interpretation of all the artefactual, environmental, and stratigraphic evidence collected during archaeological fieldwork.
Post excavation work uses a range of analytical and scientific techniques to answer questions such as date, form, function, and provenance of archaeological material. All such works are consistent with international professional standards and respective scientific specialisms. We deliver high quality post-excavation reporting and publication and have a proven track record of work in the region.