Quote:Dear Mr Berger,

Thank you for your interest in this research project.

As you indicate, the executive summary of the report suggests that further work should be undertaken and best practice advice produced. It is currently our view at Historic England that this additional work could usefully be concluded before detailed best practice advice is written.

In the meantime, the Forward to the report written by Historic England staff makes the following recommendations for those considering Trench Arch Drainage in churchyards.

· Wherever feasible, it is preferable to connect to mains drains if these are available, although making this connection may also have archaeological implications.

· If a trench arch drainage system is proposed, an archaeological assessment of the potential of the churchyard needs to be undertaken at an early stage in developing the project so that the information it reveals can be taken into account in developing the specification.

· The assessment should consider whether archaeological fieldwork, such as evaluation is necessary before permission is granted or works begin.

· Trench arch drains should be located away from archaeologically sensitive areas of the church. Such avoidance is made possible by understanding the archaeological potential of the site.

· It should not be assumed that significant archaeological remains will not be encountered within the top 0.5m, just because this is above current burial depth

We feel that these recommendations represent an appropriate balance between responding to the information provided by the research project, whilst recognising that as a technique, these low-cost drainage systems can play a key role in enhancing the long-term sustainability of the churches in which they are installed.

I hope this answers your questions.

Best Wishes.