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Salford Archaeology

Centre for Applied Archaeology

Salford Archaeology

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Community

Staff at the Centre for Applied Archaeology have a long research history in studying community archaeology in Britain and abroad, and have run several award-winning projects such as the Tameside Archaeological Survey and Dig Manchester. Research on this topic within the Centre has focused upon data gathering, the impact on health and wellbeing, and current practice, furthermore, the Centre has a large archive covering 20 years of community work and a significance regular network giving access to community volunteers and local archaeology societies. We would welcome proposals looking at these themes, but in particular the following topics:

  • Public responses to community heritage engagement
  • The impact of community archaeology on social cohesion and inclusion
  • The role of community archaeology in promoting the archaeology of the recent past

Community Work

Community archaeology comprises of managing and conducting evaluations, excavations, building surveys and all other types of archaeological projects with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, assisting local heritage and archaeological groups in funding applications as well as assisting with the Greater Manchester Archaeology Advisory Service (GMAAS) in supporting and running the Greater Manchester Federation of Archaeological Societies. 

We have a number of community archaeology projects engaging the local and wider community in their heritage and an established project undertaking research on landscape in the Trent Valley spanning multiple years. Follow our work with the University of Salford archaeology blog.

Find out more about the locations and the project and follow the excavations on the Dig Greater Manchester blog.


Volunteering

There is a whole world of history buried beneath our feet and the Salford Archaeology is giving you the chance to discover it for yourself.

There are a number of archaeological excavations taking place across Greater Manchester this year and we are looking for an army of history hungry volunteers to help us dig up the past.  As well digging up the ground you can also learn about other archaeological techniques such as recording, building surveying and historical research – so there’s something for everyone.

You will have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new techniques and make new discoveries! By volunteering on one of our archaeological digs you can give as much or as little time as you are able and you don’t need to know anything about archaeology to join in – we just need your enthusiasm and interest!

“I’ve always been fascinated by local history. I always thought you needed to be a professional to be allowed access to an historic site so getting the chance has been incredible.”

Ian West, a volunteer on the Dig Greater Manchester community site at Etherstone Hall, Leigh in March 2012

Who Can Join in?

Absolutely anyone! Individuals, community groups, local societies and local schools are welcome. We want people from all walks of life and experience.


How Do I Get Involved?

Salford Archaeology
LG 25 Peel Building, University of Salford, Manchester M5 4WT

Susan Pearson
e: s.pearson3@salford.ac.uk


What Happens On A Dig?

Geophysical Surveys

Geophysical surveys are non-intrusive survey methods such as earth resistance and magnetometry. Volunteers will be taught the reasons for using such surveys, how they work and how to complete such surveys.

Other archaeological techniques:

We will also have the opportunity to learn other techniques including: recording, finds processing, graveyard surveys and buildings archaeology.

Excavation

Excavation involves the removal of the modern top soils often by hand. This will involve physical labour and healthy outdoor activity. It will then involve systematic in-depth excavation with trowels and small tools.

The archaeology revealed by the excavation will range from things like brick and stone walls and floors to archaeological features such as ditches and pits.

During excavations pieces of material culture (broken pottery and other everyday materials) will be discovered.

Volunteers will be taught all the techniques required to carry out these operations, how to deal with and treat any artefacts and how to interpret what is discovered.


Consultancy

Early Stage Planning Advice

Our team of specialists are here to help support you through the intricacies of the planning process by offering a proficient and bespoke consultancy service, in order to minimise potential project risk.

Established track record of dealing with Local Authorities and their archaeological advisors.

With strong links with the School of the Built Environment at the University of Salford and with a wealth of expertise and knowledge, we are uniquely placed to deliver a client focused approached to deal with the needs of the construction industry. Within our consultancy we listen to your specific requirements and create a tailored, affordable and plan of action.

Desk-based Assessments

A Desk Based Assessment may be required in the early stage of the planning process and is designed to identify the potential archaeology on a proposed site, highlighting likely impact of the anticipated development on known heritage resource caused by the prospective development of that site.

We understand the constraints placed on commercial design projects and development and that a prompt and accurate report can be crucial in offsetting delays and additional costs.  At Salford Archaeology, we have a skilled and dedicated team of staff who produce efficient and high quality Desk Based Assessment reports in a short timescale.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Heritage Assessments

Conservation Management Plans

Heritage Funding Applications

Historic Building Assessment

Policy and Research


Fieldwork

Watching Briefs

Evaluations

Archaeological evaluations (trial trenching)may be required either pre-planning or as a component of a programme of archaeological works to be undertaken to discharge an archaeological condition imposed upon a planning application by the relevant Local Authority in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

An archaeological evaluation usually involves the excavation of a number of strategically placed machine dug trenches in order to identify the nature, extent and condition of any archaeological remains which may be present and are often positioned across the footprint of the proposed development.

Mechanical excavators are used to excavate the trenches, however in some cases this can be done by hand

Typically, the results of the archaeological evaluation will assist the Local Authority Planning Archaeologist in determining the level of impact a development may have on the archaeological resource.  For many sites an evaluation may establish that if there is no or poor survival of archaeological remains, no further work is necessary. In some cases the following options may be required: an archaeological watching brief during construction, further trenching or full excavation of parts of the site.

Salford Archaeology have undertaken may archaeological evaluations on behalf of a wide range of clients across the region and understand the need for a quick, professionally reliable and proportionate response in satisfying the archaeological requirements of the Local Authority.

Excavations

Historic Building Surveys

Understanding

Salford Archaeology have a long tradition in the survey, recording, illustration  interpretation and understanding.

Historic Landscape Surveys

Industrial Archaeology

Community Engagement

Widening access to archaeology and heritage is a key

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Contact

Centre For Applied Archaeology
Peel Building
University of Salford
Salford
M5 4WT

t: +44(0) 0161 295 6286

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