13th September 2007, 11:34 AM
Don't agree with topsoil detecting being prohibitively expensive. It is a fairly rapid exercise, and given the right planning, contacts, relationships and curatorial backing it can often be achieved, usually by volunteer groups.
As archaeologists we seem to have a mindset that topsoil = plough disturbed = poor archaeological context. Sometimes it is, but not always! I know of many instances where topsoil finds still retained some integrity with the buried archaeology. One of the pioneering detectorist-friendly archaeologists Tony Gregory ably demonstrated this some 30 years ago. See...
An initiative in the use of metal detectors in Norfolk
Barbara Green & Tony Gregory
Mus J, 77, 1978, 161-2
In the absence of moves at national level, the Norfolk Archaeological Rescue Group and the Norfolk Research Committee have started working with rather than against metal detector users in their area, and as a result can report a great increase in the notification of archaeological finds. Their advisory leaflet designates over 200 'Category A' sites which detector users are asked to respect; and successful collaboration on a bypass route is reported.
I seem to recall that his work at Fison Way, Thetford employed useful pre-stripping detecting as well.
Does the Norfolk Unit still have good relations with the MD community, anybody know?
As archaeologists we seem to have a mindset that topsoil = plough disturbed = poor archaeological context. Sometimes it is, but not always! I know of many instances where topsoil finds still retained some integrity with the buried archaeology. One of the pioneering detectorist-friendly archaeologists Tony Gregory ably demonstrated this some 30 years ago. See...
An initiative in the use of metal detectors in Norfolk
Barbara Green & Tony Gregory
Mus J, 77, 1978, 161-2
In the absence of moves at national level, the Norfolk Archaeological Rescue Group and the Norfolk Research Committee have started working with rather than against metal detector users in their area, and as a result can report a great increase in the notification of archaeological finds. Their advisory leaflet designates over 200 'Category A' sites which detector users are asked to respect; and successful collaboration on a bypass route is reported.
I seem to recall that his work at Fison Way, Thetford employed useful pre-stripping detecting as well.
Does the Norfolk Unit still have good relations with the MD community, anybody know?