26th August 2010, 01:01 AM
Over the two decades I've had an involvement with archaeology it's fair to say that I've come across both good and bad practices. I've been inspired and impressed with the dedication and abilities of colleagues both new to the profession and those who have done the rounds. In equal measure i have also been disgusted and dejected by the lack luster approach of others. There are no easy answers to solving such issues within a framework of commercial tendering and within a practice that has no legal standing of real merit. The big and small contractors will always roll us because of this! what is needed is genuine legislative measures with real teeth. A new method of funding work and a removal of archaeology from being a condition of planning permission (where in effect the tail wags the dog) is needed. A broader, long term view of archaeology where investigation leads to information that informs on planning would be a step in the right direction! Until something like this is put in place the points made in this thread will always surface and resurface, provoking the same levels of disillusion and disenchantment for those of us who are interested and professional enough to care!