Need an Archaeology Survey?
Use RenKap
Simply upload your site on the RenKap platform to:
- Reduce your management time by 90%
- Instantly receive a minimum of 3 quotes from our vetted suppliers
- Receive one digital dashboard with survey recommendations
- Quality reports every time guaranteed
Need a Archaeology Survey?
Use RenKap
Simply upload your site on the RenKap platform to:
- Access the best vetted surveyors
- Instantly receive a minimum of 3 quotes from our suppliers
- Receive one digital dashboard with survey recommendations
- Quality reports every time guaranteed
The only site investigation checklist you need
Download our site investigation checklist, which covers the 13 site investigation surveys you need to complete on every site. This includes a rundown of why you need each of them and at what stage throughout the project lifecycle.
What is an archaeology survey?
An archaeology survey is an assessment of a specific area of land to identify and evaluate any archaeological resources that may be present. This can include prehistoric artifacts, historic structures, and buried features such as foundations or graves. The goal of an archaeology survey is to locate and document any cultural resources that may be present on a property before any development or construction takes place.
Why do you need an archaeology survey?
An archaeology survey is needed to comply with national and local laws that protect archaeological resources. These laws require that any proposed development or construction on public or private lands be evaluated for its potential impact on archaeological resources. An archaeology survey is also an important tool for preserving and understanding our cultural heritage. The information gathered from an archaeology survey can provide valuable insights into the past and help to inform future preservation and management decisions.
When is an archeology survey required?
An archaeology survey is typically required when a developer or property owner plans to undertake new construction or development on a property. This can include building a new home, commercial development, or infrastructure projects such as road construction or the installation of utility lines. An archaeology survey may also be required as part of the permitting process for certain types of activities, such as mining or drilling.
How long does an archaeology survey take?
The time it takes will depend on the size of the site and the existing archaeology present. Typically at RenKap our surveyors can complete the archaeology surveys within 2-5 weeks.
What is the risk of not completing the archaeology survey?
The risk of not completing an archaeology survey is that important cultural resources may be unknowingly destroyed or damaged during development or construction. This can result in the loss of important information about our past, and can also lead to legal and financial consequences for the developer or property owner. Failure to comply with laws and regulations protecting archaeological resources can result in fines, delays, and imprisonment.
How is an archaeology survey completed?
An archaeology survey typically begins with a review of existing historical and archaeological records to identify any known or potential cultural resources on the property. This can include records from previous surveys, historic maps, and other documentation. The next step is to conduct a field examination of the property, which can include a variety of methods such as surface mapping, shovel testing, and subsurface testing. Any artifacts or features discovered during the survey are then documented and evaluated for their significance. Based on the results of the survey, a report is prepared that summarises the findings and makes recommendations for further research or preservation.
What are the key pieces of information that suppliers need from a client to complete an archaeology survey?
The key pieces of information would include:
- Site location
- Redline boundary (the perimeter of the site boundary)
- Site access instructions
- A scope of survey (i.e. a brief of exactly what they need to include)
- Unencumbered access to the site
What are the key items that would affect the cost of an archaeology survey?
The key factors that would affect the cost of the archaeology survey would include the size of the site, location of the site, cost for accessing local archives and report writing cost.
How to identify competent archaeology suppliers?
As a minimum they should:
- Abide by the construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015)
- Abide by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Abide by the Chartered Institute of Architects code of conduct and guidelines
- Have an appropriate level of professional indemnity insurance (Ideally more than £1m)
- Have an internal quality assurance procedure
- Have suitably trained and quality staff
The RenKap platform has already pre-vetted the best UK suppliers so you don’t have to.
The only site investigation checklist you need
Download our site investigation checklist, which covers the 13 site investigation surveys you need to complete on every site. This includes a rundown of why you need each of them and at what stage throughout the project lifecycle.