Community engagement

Collectively member services provide a range of outreach and community activities to increase understanding of the historic environment and to encourage a wide range of involvement in its management, conservation, investigation and promotion. Increased online access to historic environment information is a key element of this but the range of activities includes lectures, conferences, exhibitions, open days, education resources and community projects.

The following provide more information about volunteering opportunities, community groups and local government Historic Environment Services in your area.

National links

Council for British Archaeology (CBA):

Young Archaeologist's Club:

Local Authority Historic Environment Services

Archaeology Scotland

Local historic environment records online:

Local authority community engagement:

Historic England

Heritage Lottery Fund

The Heritage Lottery Fund has been liaising with ALGAO members to produce a much welcomed best practice guide on archaeology. This is aimed at community groups who are interested in carrying out a heritage project that affects known or potential archaeology. This might involve the community in archaeological investigations, improving access to archaeological records, interpretation of archaeological sites, the repair and consolidate archaeological monuments or remains, or acquiring archaeological objects to enable greater public access or enjoyment.

It is also designed for HLF staff who advise on proposals that have an archaeological dimension. The guidance makes it clear that the first step in a community’s archaeology project is to talk to the local authority historic environment service or their archaeological advisor. It also emphasises that Historic Environment Records have an essential role in providing information at the very early stages of a project proposal, and in being a repository for archaeological reports at the end. Appropriate expertise is essential in undertaking archaeological investigations. The Guidance is also very clear about the need for applications to include the cost of providing a report, archiving the data and publishing the results of the investigation. The Archaeology Guide can be found under the ‘How to Apply’ section of the HLF website.