Introducing the project

Welcome. This blog will provide information and updates on a project commissioned by Historic England to gather data on the volume of historical and archaeological research undertaken by voluntary groups and societies, and its potential scholarly value to the wider research community. 

The project is titled 'Assessing the Value of Community Generated Historic Environment Research'. Combining an England-wide survey with local case studies, we'll estimate how much research is being undertaken, how it is funded and where it is published, and assess the potential contribution of this research to resources used by those making decisions on planning issues and research agendas. It is being led by Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service.

The survey is now live, and will run until 21st August. A paper copy is available: please contact us to request one. You can complete it at the link below (mobile-friendly), or within the take the survey page (desktop version) on this blog.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/community-heritage-research

Whether your interest is in medieval manors or inter-war industry, your response will enable us to better understand the contribution of your efforts to heritage research, and to make sure that local history and archaeology research is better valued.

Keep an eye on this blog for updates from the project team. A nationwide literature review and local case studies focusing on Norfolk, West Yorkshire and the Vale of Evesham will be underway soon.