Definitions

What constitutes 'historical and archaeological research'?
We're defining research as a programme of work investigating the historic environment. This could cover archaeological research such as excavation, historic building surveys or earthwork surveys, local history research into industrial heritage, oral history recording, research on existing museum collections, or any other original historical research. The list within the survey is not exhaustive.

For the purposes of this survey, metal detecting and recording activities relating to the Portable Antiquities Scheme are not included. This isn't because we're don't think such information is important, but simply because data on the volume of such activity is already collected by a number of other organisations and interest groups.

Likewise, family history and genealogical research fall outside of the scope of this project. However, where this is tied to wider projects such as surveys of parish records, or research into history of an estate, industry or local company, we would like to hear about it, so please do complete the survey.

How do you define 'voluntary group'?
Any group, organisation, society or association of individuals who are engaged in research, for which those undertaking that research do not receive payment for their services. The group need not have history or archaeology as a primary focus: for example, a Civic Society who undertake local history research would be included. Likewise, this definition does not exclude professional archaeologists or researchers who undertake unpaid research with voluntary groups outside of their professional role. Research undertaken by individuals for or on behalf of a community is also included, e.g. a history of a street or church.

Our group works on projects organised by and with other bodies, should these be included in the survey?
The main aim of this survey is to find out how much research is being generated by voluntary groups themselves, and where the research is published. The boundaries between who instigates or 'leads' a project are often very blurred. We would consider that a project in which your group has been a key partner, involved in the planning of the project and/or applying for funding, and being instrumental in carrying out the project, should be included. There are opportunities within the survey to detail advice and support received from other organisations.

Some research projects carried out by voluntary groups are designed and instigated by organisations such as National bodies (e.g. the National Trust), local archaeological services or commercial units. In most of these cases, the products of the research are produced by those organisations and are already well-documented. However, if you've taken part in such a project and your group has gone on to carry out further research or produced more publications, we'd like to hear about them so please do complete the survey.

If you have any further questions, please do contact us.

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