Archaeological guidance when carrying out work

Buckinghamshire Council Archaeology Service recommends using contractors and consultants who adhere to the regulations, standards, and guidance provided by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

See our advice on commissioning archaeological work in Buckinghamshire.

For the majority of archaeological projects it will normally be sufficient to use one of our generic briefs.

These explain what is required from assessments and fieldwork. 

Generic briefs will usually be sufficient for appointing a qualified archaeologist to undertake required work.

View our generic briefs:

• Generic brief for an historic environment assessment and walk over survey
• Generic brief for an archaeological watching brief or small-scale investigation
• Generic brief for an archaeological evaluation (trial trenching)
• Generic brief for an archaeological geophysical survey (magnetometer and resistivity)

For a generic Historic Building Recording brief, follow Historic England's Guide to Good Recording Practice.

You may also wish to contact the relevant area conservation officer.

For more complex projects, especially major archaeological excavations, and including Historic Building Recording, a bespoke brief may be prepared.

If in doubt contact the archaeology case officer to determine which brief to use:

• Phone: 01296 382705
• Email: [email protected]

There is normally a fee for consideration of archaeological project documentation.

Find out more about our archaeology services and fees and how to pay.