Providing you with expert advice
AH Archaeology is an independent archaeological contractor based in Hay-on-Wye, on the border between Hereford and Powys and working in the Brecon Beacons, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Shropshire. We provide archaeological services required for planning applications or planning consent.
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Our business offers personalised support to represent your interests with local authorities or statutory heritage organisations. We have a wide range of clients from diverse industry sectors in addition to home-owners and private developers.
Heritage Assessments
- Archaeological desk-based assessment
- Heritage impact assessment
- Settings assessment
- Statement of historic significance
Archaeological Fieldwork
- Excavation
- Evaluation
- Watching brief
Historic Building Recording
- Photographic recording
- Measured surveys
- Descriptive and analytical surveys
Excavation
Excavation often follows previous phases of evaluation such as geophysics and trial trenching. Sites containing previously identified archaeological remains may require excavation without any previous investigative work.
Archaeological excavation involves the full investigation of sites of archaeological interest prior to development. The aim of any excavation is to identify and interpret archaeological remains as well as to preserve the evidence in record for future generations.
Archaeological excavation involves the full investigation of sites of archaeological interest prior to development. The aim of any excavation is to identify and interpret archaeological remains as well as to preserve the evidence in record for future generations.
Evaluation (Trial Trenching)
An archaeological evaluation may be requested by the local planning authority before planning permission is granted. This typically involves the excavation of trial trenches to ascertain the presence, condition and date of any archaeological remains that may be present within the development area. The purpose of the investigation is to evaluate the archaeological potential of a site in the most cost-effective manner.
A mechanical excavator (fitted with a ditching bucket) is normally used to excavate the trenches. The machine excavation is controlled by experienced field archaeologists. Any archaeological features encountered during the work are then recorded and excavated by hand to determine the nature and date of the remains.
The results of the trial trenching will determine if further archaeological work is required by the local planning authority, such as an archaeological excavation or watching brief.
A mechanical excavator (fitted with a ditching bucket) is normally used to excavate the trenches. The machine excavation is controlled by experienced field archaeologists. Any archaeological features encountered during the work are then recorded and excavated by hand to determine the nature and date of the remains.
The results of the trial trenching will determine if further archaeological work is required by the local planning authority, such as an archaeological excavation or watching brief.
Watching Brief
A watching brief is usually requested by a local authority when previous investigations have identified that the development area has a low level of archaeological potential. A watching brief is undertaken by a qualified archaeologist during groundworks for foundation trenches and services.
Remains are sometimes exposed that require more detailed investigation, and the developer is required to allow sufficient time for the archaeologist to accurately record any finds and features. However, the monitoring archaeologist is usually able to excavate and record any identified remains without causing delay to the construction programme.
Remains are sometimes exposed that require more detailed investigation, and the developer is required to allow sufficient time for the archaeologist to accurately record any finds and features. However, the monitoring archaeologist is usually able to excavate and record any identified remains without causing delay to the construction programme.
For professional archaeological advice in the Brecon Beacons, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire, Powys and Shropshire call AH Archaeology on
07914 609 999