Wessex Archaeology is delivering a one-off online session for developers, supported by The Crown Estate, to offer advice and insights into the new guidance document for offshore wind projects. 

Launched in July 2021, the updated guidance details the latest requirements and responsibilities for managing the historic environment before, during and after construction. 

Archaeological Written Schemes of Investigation for Offshore Wind Farm Projects forms an umbrella document for all archaeological survey, investigation and assessment to be undertaken by developers for all offshore wind farm projects. 

The free online event will be held on Tuesday 28 September at 11.30am, aimed at offshore developers and stakeholders to provide information about the new guidance and answer any questions about how it should be used. 

Diver Wind farm

The new guidance supersedes Model Clauses for Archaeological Written Schemes of Investigation: Offshore Renewables Projects (Wessex Archaeology 2010) to reflect changes to the offshore wind farm industry, guidance, processes and procedures.

It draws on Wessex Archaeology’s experience and expertise from projects developed as part of Offshore Wind Leasing Rounds 1 to 3, to provide robust, relevant guidance for Round 4 and beyond. It applies to all construction methods in the sector, including new technologies such as floating turbines.

Dan Atkinson, Director of Coastal & Marine at Wessex Archaeology, said:

“We’re very proud to have delivered this new piece of guidance on behalf of The Crown Estate, which will enable developers to protect and enhance the historic environment on their offshore wind farm schemes – from turbine to grid. We’d encourage anyone involved in the design and development of offshore windfarms to attend our free event to gain a simple, broken-down overview of the new guidance. Led by our world leading experts, we will be drawing on nearly 20 years of experience in supporting our clients in the effective and sustainable management of the historic environment.

This guidance combines this unrivalled experience with extensive research and industry-wide stakeholder engagement. With early and targeted intervention, the historic environment can offer great opportunities – in terms of sustainability and social value – to a scheme.

All developers are required to address the historic environment as part of the assessment phase during the consenting process, with any impacts identified and a plan put in place for mitigation during construction. The guidance outlines these mitigation measures which are upheld in marine licensing and planning conditions.”

Wind farm

The webinar has now passed and is available to watch online