Warwickshire Museum Field Services, part of Warwickshire County Council, comprises two archaeological teams: the Projects Group, which undertakes research and fieldwork throughout Warwickshire and beyond, and the Archaeological Information and Advice Service (AIA). This report summarises the work of the AIA and outlines the main projects undertaken between April 2009 and April 2010.
A secure, comprehensive and professionally maintained database is the basis of any advice service, and the Historic Environment Record (HER) for Warwickshire underpins all of our activities. The HER has been built up over many years, and the information within it is continuously being updated with the results of new fieldwork, whilst thematic projects are undertaken which will enhance particular aspects of the Record.
The HER attracts a growing number of users, and our staff are engaged in providing advice about the Historic Environment to site owners and tenants, and to a wide variety of bodies and individuals involved in land use change and site management. Recent changes to government legislation relating to the historic environment will affect the way we work. Planning Policy Statement for the Historic Environment (PPS5) now outlines current core national policies regarding planning and the conservation of the historic environment, yet it is likely that there will be further developments in coming years.
