Archaeology and Aggregates in Worcestershire

Archaeology and Aggregates in Worcestershire is the result of a partnership project by Worcestershire Historic Environment and Archaeology Service (WHEAS) and Cotswold Archaeology. The aim of the project is to improve the quantity and quality of archaeological information available for aggregate producing areas in Worcestershire. This will allow for the provision of better-informed advice on the likely archaeological impact of future programmes of aggregate extraction and support the design and implementation of archaeological fieldwork undertaken on behalf of the industry through the planning process.

The project has enabled consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, enhancement of the Historic Environment Record (HER) and production of a report presenting project results. The report considers the character, extent and archaeological impact of past, present and likely future aggregate exploitation in the county. The archaeological resource of the aggregate producing areas has been defined through detailed mapping and quantification. Based around this information, a series of chronologically-based assessments have been produced. These are accompanied by an archaeological research agenda designed to inform ongoing and future archaeological work within these areas.

The report has been made available below in two downloadable files so as to be widely available for consultation and is intended for use in reviewing existing permissions, proposing new applications and designing and implementing archaeological evaluation and mitigation strategies. Hard copies are also available on request from WHEAS.

The project was commissioned by English Heritage through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) and complements similar projects in Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.