How archaeological surveys provide an opportunity to engage with local residents
By Alice James, Technical Director (Historic Environment), Lanpro
Technically there is no requirement to involve an archaeological consultant at a public consultation event as part of the planning process, but the benefit of having an archaeologist present can be considerable.
I have attended several events in this capacity, and I have had conversations that have allowed me to consider the broader, and very positive, role of cultural heritage in the development process. These conversations have highlighted local residents’ natural curiosity about the history of their local area and the universal fascination we all have about how our ancestors lived.
Perhaps most importantly, these conversations highlight how, even when discussing potentially contentious schemes, heritage can provide a constructive point of engagement, fostering positive dialogue and feedback.
Development-led archaeology has made a significant contribution to our understanding of the historic environment. Over the years, numerous innovations have enhanced archaeological assessment methods, improving both efficiency and data quality. For instance, early in my career, I spent considerable time persuading developers of the benefits of geophysical surveys as a tool for archaeological evaluation. Today, the geophysical survey is an established standard, with the demand for rapid assessments over extensive areas driving the adoption of advanced technologies, including GPS-integrated systems. These improvements have not only generated better datasets but have also significantly increased the number of newly identified sites. Furthermore, the imagery produced through these surveys has proven invaluable in engaging local communities, where possible illustrating how archaeology informs the design of developments from an early stage. At a recent public consultation event, for example, sharing geophysical survey images was particularly well received, helping to demonstrate the project’s contribution to local heritage understanding and how it is being used to shape a sense of place.
The rise of televised archaeology in recent decades has made the discipline more accessible, increasing public awareness of archaeological techniques and the types of discoveries commonly made. As a result, many communities are eager to engage with archaeological findings, recognising that new knowledge about the area’s past is often a direct outcome of development. So it’s important to ensure that the results of archaeological work – often fascinating insights that would otherwise remain unknown – are shared in accessible ways. In this respect communities, community development even, can benefit from the research undertaken.
We use a range of methods to achieve this, including site open days, public talks (both in-person and online), information boards, heritage trails, and educational packs for local schools. In some cases, direct community involvement is possible, whether through participation in excavation or survey training, or by working with local archaeology groups on post-excavation works. Such initiatives can be delivered cost-effectively without disrupting project timelines and typically receive highly positive feedback, benefiting the relationship between the developer and the existing community.
By integrating heritage considerations into the planning and design of a scheme, developers can demonstrate their commitment to local identity and a sense of place. Again, this approach helps bridge the gap between developers and local communities, fostering trust and engagement.
One of the most memorable consultation events I attended last year began with a local resident expressing strong opposition to a proposed scheme. However, upon learning that I was an archaeological consultant, they shared childhood memories of watching Second World War planes fly overhead from a nearby woodland. Their story captivated the entire room, prompting a spontaneous and engaging exchange of local history, as others joined in with their own recollections. While some attendees were sceptical about the development itself, by the end of the session, they felt reassured that we were working to create the best scheme possible; also that the client took heritage considerations – a key aspect of their shared community – very seriously.
This experience, along with many others during my career, goes to demonstrate the power of archaeology not only to uncover the past but also to build connections and facilitate meaningful discussions about the future.
