APAC Archaeology Ltd | Local Archaeologist | Archaeological Services Wales

Archaeological Excavation

Archaeological excavation is undertaken where previous phases of archaeological work have identified significant remains within an area that will be impacted by development. Excavation is carried out to ensure that archaeological evidence is properly recorded and understood before it is unavoidably disturbed or removed as part of construction works.

APAC Ltd undertakes archaeological excavation projects across England and Wales, ranging from small targeted mitigation areas to large multi-phase infrastructure and development sites.

When Archaeological Excavation Is Required

Excavation is normally undertaken as part of an agreed archaeological mitigation following evaluation or other earlier phases of investigation. In most cases, excavation forms part of the discharge of archaeological planning conditions.

Excavation is undertaken where archaeological remains are known to be present and where preservation in situ is not considered practical or achievable within the development design.

What Archaeological Excavation Involves

Archaeological excavation is a controlled and recorded process of removing archaeological deposits in a structured and stratigraphically informed way. The aim is to recover archaeological evidence and information in advance of its loss through development.

Machine excavation is typically used to remove modern overburden and non-archaeological deposits. Archaeological deposits and features are then investigated using controlled hand excavation and detailed recording methods.

Excavation is designed to recover evidence relating to:
• The character and date of archaeological remains
• Site development and phasing
• Past activity and land use
• Environmental and artefactual evidence
7. Post-Excavation, Analysis and Archive

Excavation forms part of a wider archaeological process. Fieldwork represents one stage of this process. Following fieldwork, finds, environmental samples and site records are assessed, analysed and integrated into a full technical report.

Depending on the nature of the archaeology encountered, post-excavation work may include specialist finds assessment, environmental analysis, scientific dating or further research. The level of post-excavation work required is normally agreed in consultation with the Local Planning Authority and is proportionate to the archaeological resource identified.

Project archives are prepared in accordance with archive standards and deposited with the appropriate archive repository and Historic Environment Record (HER). Where appropriate, excavation results may contribute to wider research and publication.