10th February 2007, 12:16 AM
One of the realities of commercial archaeology is that we are bound to comply with a scope of works which is set by the local curator and not ourselves (with a few exceptions). Unless the curator specifically states that undertaking a programme of public involvement is a requirement of the Brief it is hard to make an allowance for it (as the moment you do, some one else won't and you could lose the job). I have seen some curators require some provision for this, but without actually detailing the scope of it which makes it hard to cost and tricky to enforce.
It is worth noting that often clients on larger developments often ask contractors to engage with the public for their own benefit.
Obviously there is nothing stopping you talking to members of the pubic (unless prohibited on a specific contract) during the project and telling them what you are up to; I used to do this alot when I ran sites and encouraged my site staff to engage with people when approached....within reason of course.
Which doesn't necessarily improve public understanding of the role of commercial archaeology...but then should it? Or should the point be to connect people to the archaeology under their feet and that's it? I mean, it isn't very becoming if you are telling someone about an IA settlement and the next minute you are ranting about pay and conditions or boring them with the finer details of the planning system....
Also, I have to say, I've never had dog s**t thrown at me but we did have people take our trench stakes out once, although I think this was an objection to the bypass rather than to the archaeological work........unfortunately for them they left some pegs in and didn't think to fill in the holes left by those they took out, which obviously meant that all their scheming came to nothing - other than making us chuckle!!
don't panic!
It is worth noting that often clients on larger developments often ask contractors to engage with the public for their own benefit.
Obviously there is nothing stopping you talking to members of the pubic (unless prohibited on a specific contract) during the project and telling them what you are up to; I used to do this alot when I ran sites and encouraged my site staff to engage with people when approached....within reason of course.
Which doesn't necessarily improve public understanding of the role of commercial archaeology...but then should it? Or should the point be to connect people to the archaeology under their feet and that's it? I mean, it isn't very becoming if you are telling someone about an IA settlement and the next minute you are ranting about pay and conditions or boring them with the finer details of the planning system....
Also, I have to say, I've never had dog s**t thrown at me but we did have people take our trench stakes out once, although I think this was an objection to the bypass rather than to the archaeological work........unfortunately for them they left some pegs in and didn't think to fill in the holes left by those they took out, which obviously meant that all their scheming came to nothing - other than making us chuckle!!
don't panic!