Review Topic - Rich Deposits – Aggregates extraction, research and the knowledge pool

Quarrying and extraction of aggregates on land and at sea affects buried archaeological remains and the historic landscape. ALSF projects have helped the aggregates industry and heritage sector predict where archaeological remains might be and develop ways of mitigating these effects. In this way remains and valuable elements of our landscape are not needlessly lost without record. Focussed on the places and types of archaeological assets which are affected by aggregates extraction, the dividend has been new knowledge and new ways of exploring, understanding, explaining and challenging our thoughts about our past.

The review report draws on a survey of project designs, reports and other outputs, as well consultation with the ‘knowledge society’ and interested members of the public. These are the groups that both generate and put new knowledge to work in planning and managing archaeological issues with the aggregates industry, engaging communities in history and environmental issues and training future archaeological and historic environment specialists.

Impact

ALSF projects have resulted in the development of reliable and cost-effective techniques of mapping and survey and a body of baseline knowledge about the location, nature and quality of archaeological resources that could not have otherwise been gained. Projects have assisted the aggregates industry, together with archaeological and environmental planners, to determine how to avoid many areas of important remains (terrestrial and marine) and historic landscapes and to mitigate the impact where needed.

A number of ALSF projects have focussed on the particular topographic contexts or landscape units that yield aggregates and minerals. They have helped the management of extraction and provided unrivalled opportunities for adding substantially to the understanding of these contexts, which are often unique in their nature and have hitherto been little understood.

Projects have resulted in management and conservation plans and strategies for groups of sites or monuments, reconciling competing interests and providing the way forward for managers and local communities. Other ALSF projects have analysed data and synthesised large bodies of information from previous work and investigations. Often drawing on a variety of evidence, this work has resulted in new interpretations and knowledge of archaeological material.

ALSF funding has enabled the investigation and reporting of a number of important archaeological sites for which planning permission had been granted prior to the current planning regime and which therefore could not directly be funded by the relevant aggregates companies.

The archaeology and history of aggregate and quarry industries themselves are increasingly being recognised as important components of our present historic landscape, valued by communities and tourists. A number of projects have focussed on these monuments and remains, resulting in the development of management strategies.

Recognition

The appreciation of the importance of ALSF research has increased within the aggregates industry as it has provided tools for planning and environmental management.

Local authority historic environment officers are also aware and recognise the benefits of the ALSF research projects. Enhanced knowledge through synthesis of data and analysis of information from previous investigations has added to their ability to manage and communicate the wider historic environment resource within their authority area.

Universities and academic specialists have been very engaged in ALSF projects, contributing to and often leading the research and development of new techniques. The fund has provided rare opportunities to look at landscapes, contexts, deposits and topics that would be otherwise unavailable.

Communication and dissemination

A key objective of almost all the ALSF projects has been to disseminate the benefits and findings of the research, and the results of this dissemination is best seen in the way the research is put to use by the wider ‘knowledge society’. Techniques developed in individual projects are often used in other regions or by other companies. Research proposals and designs build on established wider research agendas and the data generated by ALSF projects stimulates and contributes to new agendas and frameworks. The archaeological community share and disseminate this information and ensure that it is put to use.

Data and information from many ALSF projects have helped to reconstruct past environments and provided the basis of interpretation. This has taken the form of stories for school children, adult learners and tourists, and engaging communities in the understanding, enjoyment and care for their history and archaeology.

Lessons and pointers to the future

ALSF research projects have often brought disparate things together. These include partnerships and stakeholders; universities, planning authorities and the aggregates industry; generations and communities; techniques and professional disciplines; landscapes and regions; and artefacts, ecofacts (organic and environmental remains which have cultural relevance) and archaeological deposits.

Within environmental issues, promoting the value of a heritage research project is often challenging when compared to, for example, the development of a nature reserve. Projects which have engaged a range of stakeholders and their interests from the outset have increased over recent years and it is one of the success factors in ensuring and communicating benefits.

The concern that projects should benefit the industry as well as the historic environment sector seems generally to have ensured that ALSF projects have resulted in little ‘dead-end’ knowledge. Knowledge seems to have been readily taken up, used and put into action by all sectors, although some individuals in local authorities would like information to be disseminated to them in a more accessible form.

To view and download the full review "Rich Deposits – Aggregates extraction, research and the knowledge pool" please go to the Reviews & Project Reports section of this website.

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