Our Guarantee

Reliability

When even one day’s delay can cost a great deal of money, clients need to know that their archaeology is carried out reliably on time. We provide an assurance that deadlines will be met.

We make it our priority to draw up a detailed timetable for all work that we carry out, with regular reviews of progress. Our project managers are responsible for ensuring that all of our projects are completed by the agreed timetable.

Expertise

Our staff are professionals, trained to do their work – some are the country’s leading specialists in their field. Their expertise allows us to work efficiently and cost-effectively on site, focussing on what is important, and avoiding wasting time on what is not.

Our managers are experienced both in archaeology and in the needs of clients. It is they who ensure that work is carried out to budget and deadline, no matter what finds we discover on site.

Track record

Wessex Archaeology has been working with business and heritage organisations for 23 years. We have run thousands of projects ranging from a simple assessment of existing historical records of a site to several years’ work excavating in advance of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.

Most of our income is from repeat business, because our clients know they can rely on us. Our clients include property developers, construction companies, local councils, universities, utilities services, ports, national institutions including the National Trust and English Heritage and even the Government of Gibraltar.

Range of services

Wessex Archaeology offers a highly professional service. Our work can range from surveying an historical building in a day, to months or years excavation ahead of large road or rail projects.

Our clients come to us because they know we are professional and efficient, and that we offer a wide range of services. These include:

• Desk-based assessments which involve a detailed search through existing records, photographs and plans of the site. They arise as part of the planning process and are commissioned by local or national planning authorities, archaeological curators, consultants or developers.

• Field evaluations are a means of assessing the presence and extent of archaeological remains on a site by a limited amount of fieldwork, usually on a specific proportion of the proposed site. The planning authority can then assess the importance of the remains, and propose measures to record, preserve or manage them.

• When the archaeological potential of a site is known to be high, a Site Excavation may be required. This is the process that most people associate with archaeology – the careful digging of remains on a site. After excavation, our specialist finds and environmental staff assess finds and records to add to the archaeological story of the site. The final results are presented in a client report, and if they are of specific importance, they can be published in local or national journals.

• Many management plans and environmental assessments require an evaluation of the historic landscape – a Landscape Survey. Wessex Archaeology has a wide variety of analytical survey systems at its disposal. Techniques such as aerial photographic interpretation, detailed topographic survey and field walking provide information which can be used by Wessex Archaeology’s trained landscape archaeologists and historians to explore a landscape’s origins and assess its future conservation needs.

• Wessex Archaeology can deliver professional maritime archaeological services both in the UK and abroad. Our expert team has a unique capacity to undertake investigations in Inland, Coastal and Marine environments, with a proven ability to place the results within their proper archaeological context. Wessex Archaeology has expanded its work in these areas in direct response to demand from developers, who are under increasing pressure to match the well-developed procedures for assessing archaeological impacts on land. Our expertise is also sought by public authorities in response to threats such as sea-level change, development and recreation on their fragile coastal heritage.

• Not all archaeology is to be found buried in the ground: some developments involve sites where historic buildings survive intact. The emphasis of Historic Building Surveys will be on the recording, conservation, repair or management of a structure in its setting. Wessex Archaeology can organise a programme to establish and record the character, history, form and development over time of a standing building or complex of structures in their setting. We also have well-established links with specialists in the field of historic research and conservation.

Communication

Communication is vital. Without it we cannot understand and meet our clients’ needs. We pride ourselves on our personal contact with clients. For this reason, we appoint a project manager to over see each piece of work we do, large or small, from start to finish. It is our project managers’ responsibility to listen to and communicate with clients.

Our specialist services allow us to communicate with the outside world: we organise regular talks on our work, design our own publications, publish our findings in specialist journals and deal regularly with the media. We can handle press inquiries for clients, and we can create special reports for clients on the archaeology of their site.

Understanding

We are not just archaeologists – we are business people too. And like all successful businesses, we make every effort to understand our clients. It is this understanding that allows us to offer the quality and range of service that we do, and will continue to do.

For more information about Wessex Archaeology, please call John Dillon, Operations Director, or Sue Davies, Chief Executive on 01722 326867. Or e-mail j.dillon@wessexarch.co.uk or s.davies@wessexarch.co.uk

WA Heritage

WA Heritage is the new consulting division of Wessex Archaeology. It unites our existing consultancy and conservation management teams in a single Heritage team which provides expert advice in:

• Archaeological Consulting

• Built Heritage

• Heritage Management

• Historic Landscape

The new team reflects the new reality in the historic environment. What were once separate disciplines now have to be integrated in preparing impact assessments and conservation plans.

With a team of 14 experienced specialists based in our Salisbury and London offices, WA Heritage is ideally placed to provide this new integrated approach to historic environment assessment and survey. WA Heritage builds on the extensive resources and long experience of Wessex Archaeology.

 

Services available from WA Heritage include:

• Consultancy

• Desk-based Assessment and Documentary Research

• Cultural Heritage Impact Assessments

• Historic Landscape Assessment and Characterisation

• Earthwork Survey

• Conservation Management Plans

• GIS-based resource assessment

• Heritage Site Management

• Monument Condition Surveys

• Conservation Area Appraisals and Assessments

• Historic Building Assessments

• Standing Building Survey

• Specialist Building illustration, including reconstruction and CAD-graphics

• Project Management

• Expert Witness for Public Inquiries

For further information contact Chris Moore, Head of WA Heritage.

Coastal and Marine

Dummy

Desk-Based Assessment

Barrow cemetery at Winterbourne Stoke, near StonehengeDesk-based assessments usually involve a detailed search through existing records, photographs and plans of the site, and reports of any previous archaeological projects on the site or in the area. They arise as part of the planning process and are commissioned by local or national planning authorities, archaeological curators, consultants or developers.

The study is undertaken before any site work takes place. The impact of a proposed development on known or potential archaeological remains can be assessed, and any appropriate mitigation measures can be put in place.

Wessex Archaeology has staff dedicated to desk-based assessments, who are experienced in accessing and interpreting the relevant historic and documentary resources.

Geophysical Survey

Wessex has been doing geophysical surveys in-house, mainly for Coastal and Marine projects but also terrestrial ones, since 2004. After being asked many times if this service could be made available more widely, we have decided to do just that.

Lead by Paul Baggaley, we have a team of 6 expert geophysicists, and we are able to put three teams in the field. We can provide all the usual survey methods, magnetic gradiometry, magnetic scanning and resistivity, plus advice on all other techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar or Seismic survey.

• The service is already proving popular with our regular clients

• We have had a positive reaction from many Curators already who appreciate that the new service comes from an IFA Registered Archaeological Organisation.

If you would like to know more please feel free to call either Paul Baggaley or John Dillon on 01722 326867.

Post-excavation and Specialist services

Environmental archaeologistThe Wessex Archaeology Post-excavation Section employs nearly 40 people, and provides a comprehensive service from highly qualified, experienced and reliable professionals. The team covers all areas of post-excavation and archive management, finds and environmental archaeology, graphics and publication.

We provide the following services:

• Project management
• Assessments
• Finds and Environmental archaeology
• Pottery  
• Ceramic building material 
• Fired clay 
• Glass  
• Metalwork / Metallurgy / Slag
• Coins 
• Lithics
• Small finds
• Cremated and inhumed human bone 
• Animal / fish / bird bone
• Insects 
• Molluscs  
• Plant remains 
• Charcoal 
• Wood
• Geoarchaeology 
• Diatoms 
• Foraminifera
• Ostracods
• Pollen 
• Analysis and reporting  
• Graphics 
• Exhibitions 
• Photography
• Typesetting 
• Publication
• Archive preparation

 

Field Evaluations

Environmental analysis at StonehengeField evaluations are a means of assessing the presence of archaeological remains on a site by a limited amount of fieldwork - usually on a specific proportion of the proposed site.

If archaeological remains are present - in the form of features, structures, artefacts or ecofacts - field evaluation can show what they represent, how far they extend and how well they are preserved.

The planning authority can then assess the importance of the remains, and propose measures to record, preserve or manage them.

Wessex Archaeology can undertake the whole range of fieldwork assessment, and coordinate any specialist or technical services needed such as geophysical surveys or environmental analysis.

Site Excavation

Excavations on the A30When the archaeological potential of a site is known to be high, a site excavation may be required. This is the process that most people associate with archaeology - the careful digging of remains on a site.

Wessex Archaeology's staff is made up of a structured team of professionals: Project Managers, who co-ordinate the whole process from excavation planning onwards; Project Officers responsible for running the site; and Project Supervisors and Project Assistants who undertake the fieldwork and collate results.

After excavation, our specialist finds and environmental staff assess finds and records to add to the archaeological story of the site. The final results are presented in a client report, and if they are of specific importance, they can be published in local or national journals.

From project design to post-excavation analysis and report publication, Wessex Archaeology's staff undertake projects within well-structured and managed programmes and liaise closely with your team and monitoring body.

Landscape Survey

Monument condition assessmentMany management plans and environmental assessments require an evaluation of the historic landscape.

The interpretation of landscape development requires an appreciation of both the physical and ecological composition of an area and of the social, cultural and perceptual framework of those living in it.

Wessex Archaeology has a wide variety of analytical survey systems at its disposal. Techniques such as aerial photographic interpretation, detailed topographic survey and field walking provide information which can be used by Wessex Archaeology’s trained landscape archaeologists and historians to explore a landscape’s origins and assess its future conservation needs.

Wessex Archaeology Prospectus

About Us

Wessex Archaeology is one of the largest and most experienced archaeological practices in the UK, providing high quality, cost effective support to a wide range of businesses and heritage organisations.

  From preliminary advice and desk-based site assessments, to comprehensive fieldwork and post-excavation reporting, our approach is innovative and highly professional, committed to achieving the best solutions for each individual client.

Employing more than 100 highly quality staff, we provide complete archaeological support in areas such as housing developments, road schemes, railway and airport projects and gravel extraction - anywhere which has the potential for significant archaeological remains.

Why is Wessex Archaeology different?

• Clear understanding of clients' needs

• 

  Prompt yet considered response

• Comprehensive, quality service

• Unparalleled structure and skill base

• A trusted name

• Pro-active and flexible approach through close working partnerships

At Wessex Archaeology we are passionately committed to archaeological excellence, but within a modern context, recognising the needs of an increasingly challenging and rapidly evolving business environment. This demands that we work quickly and efficiently to achieve first class results within agreed timeframes and budgets.

We Offer

Wessex Archaeology is unrivalled in its ability to provide innovative, high quality support through a range of specialist services. In addition to a complete service for desk-based and fieldwork tasks we offer:

• Environmental impact assessment

• Standing building surveys

• Historic landscape assessment

• Underwater archaeology consultancy, project management and fieldwork

• Coastal studies

• Heritage management and conservation plans

• Human remains analysis

• Palaeo-environmental consultancy and analysis

• Specialist illustration, including reconstruction and CAD - graphics

• Support with educational and community projects

 

Depth of Support

Because of the unparalleled size and quality of our skill base, we are capable of meeting all of a client's archaeological needs, from the provision of initial consultancy advice to full investigation and publication.

Our particular strength is in effective client liason between the Local Planning Authority, national government agencies, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and other professional bodies. As an active part of the client team we will ensure that potential archaeological issues can be anticipated and managed with the minimum of disruption.

Following the completion of the fieldwork project, we will:

- Deliver professional, detailed technical reports to satisfy planning and management requirements and provide a permanent record for the client.

- Create further accounts of the project, as required, such as video and CD.

- Assist in local and national PR initiatives.

Typical Client Requirement	Archaeological Response
Consideration of site purchase	Risk assessment, site appraisal
Compilation of planning application & submission of planning application	Desk-based assessment, evaluation, preparation of written scheme of investigation, Environmental Statement input, Planning Inquiry
Fulfilment of requirements	Preservation, Excavation, watching brief, post-excavation analysis, reporting, publication, public education
Outcome
Successful completion of archaeological requirements contributing to the overall success of the client's project.

Above all, because of our extensive experience and knowledge of archaeological issues, we can assist with on-going advice regarding archaeological reponsibilities throughout the planning process, supporting and advising the client at every stage...

Wessex Archaeology Managing Quality

Although we aim to derive the greatest archaeological benefit from every opportunity, we recognise that major considerations in any project are quality and cost-effectiveness.

Once an archaeological response has been deemed necessary, we undertake work within a closely defined budget and to a fixed programme.

Moreover, we are able to work quickly and effieciently, fully integrated within our client's team. This ensures that essential project work can continue uninterrupted.

Close liason between project manager and client ensures that issues such as quality control, timescales and costs are under constant scrutiny.

Wessex Archaeology One to One - Good Communications

Clear communications are essential in any working relationship, and we recognise the value that clients place on close personal contact at every level of a project.

For this reason we appoint a project manager to oversee each individual piece of work, however large or small, from start through to completion.

Close supervision by senior staff and strict accountablity ensure that high standards of quality control are maintained.

As an organisation registered with the Institute of Field Archaeologists we fully endorse their codes of conduct and professional standards.

Clients List

Selected Clients

• Alfred McAlpine

• British Airports Authority

• BP Oil UK

• Bloor Homes

• Bovis Homes

• Bristol City Council

• British Airways

• English Heritage

• Environment Agency

• Highways Agency

• Kennet District Council

• Laing Partnership Housing

• MEPC Developments

• Ove Arup and Partners

• Salisbury Museum

• Scottish Widows

• Southern Electric

• Southern Water

• St George West London

• Tesco

• The National Trust

• Union Railways

• Wessex Water

• Wimpey Homes

Business Links

• OCA Consulting Arboriculturalists

  OCA supply landscape, trees & woodlands and ecology services to public and private bodies throughout the UK