The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) has published its latest research which examined the scale, nature and needs of Community Archaeology in the UK.
The results (Research Bulletin 6 ) show there is still considerable activity taking place, from lectures to excavation, with very few participants receiving formal or informal training. There were 3,000 requests for a broader understanding of archaeological good practice in organisational management, health and wellbeing, planning, excavation, survey, research, recording, archiving, publication and dissemination and sound financial planning. The recommendations were:
- Create a central digital platform with advice, signposting and guidance for community groups.
- Establish a learning and development provision at county level.
- Assess the viability of a bespoke accreditation scheme.
- Actively engage in partnerships which encourage diverse participation.
- Create a survey to provide comparable relevant data of younger age groups.
Initially, signposting to resources which already exist can be created, but the additional training resource requires a significant investment. The CBA has the experience to deliver, with partners, what the archaeological community has requested, there is the potential to create a ripple effect to influence best practice and provide a cohesive community experience in schemes for all ages and abilities.