Desk-Based Assessment
Historic Landscape Survey and Documentary Research

Archaeology South-East has many years experience producing desk-based assessments (DBA) and historic landscape surveys for a range of different clients and commercial needs. We recognise the importance of providing detailed and accurate information to clients, appraising them of all historic environment issues that relate to their development proposals. Accurate information at an early stage of a project assists the developer in both safeguarding the historic environment resource and in reducing costs.

All our DBA reports conform to the recommendations set out by the Institute of Field Archaeologists in Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-Based Assessments and utilise existing information in order to establish the archaeological potential of the study area. This information allows informed decisions regarding the impact any proposed development may have on the archaeological resource. Mitigation strategies can then be designed to reduce this impact. The reports are compiled in line with PPG16 guidance, which seeks to consider the effects of development upon archaeological remains.

The details of sources assessed for any specific DBA will vary according to a number of variable factors, but a typical selection would include:

• Archaeological records from County Historic Environment Records (HER) and the National Monuments Record (NMR) including, where available, HLC mapping.

• Air photographs held by the NMR, University of Cambridge and County Council Historic Environment Services.

• Historic mapping (Ordnance Survey and manuscript) and documentation held by County Record Offices, national and specialist archive repositories.

• Literature searches of county histories (such as the Victoria County History) and archaeological journals.

• Geological mapping and, where available, the results of geotechnical investigations.

• Designated Site listings (such as Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings and Registered Historic Parks and Gardens).

• Maritime data (such as protected and non-protected shipwrecks), military sites such as aircraft crash sites, and other site-specific data.

Most DBAs include walkover surveys to identify historic landscape features. This element is particularly important in historic landscape surveys, where the desk-based assessment is complimented by gazetteers of historic features. Historic landscape surveys are often carried out to inform conservation management plans, and can be substantial in size and scope.  The scale of recording differs between projects, but conforms to survey Levels 1-3 as defined by English Heritage. We have considerable experience in carrying out historic landscape surveys, with particular emphasis on historic woodlands and designed landscapes.

Contact: Ron Humphrey