Campaign News | Dig for Archaeology

10 March 2026

Archaeology and Working Dogs: The Four-Legged Team Members Shaping Heritage Discovery

Dogs have served as working companions to humans for thousands of years, and their role in archaeological fieldwork is one of the most fascinating recent developments in heritage science. From detecting ancient burials to providing emotional support for excavation teams, dogs are proving themselves invaluable on sites across the United Kingdom and beyond. These four-legged team members spend long hours outdoors in demanding terrain, and breeds with dense or curly coats, such as Goldendoodles increasingly used in scent detection roles, require regular maintenance with quality clippers suited to a Goldendoodle's curly coat to keep them comfortable and effective in the field.

27 November 2025

Why Community Archaeology Matters More Than Ever

As institutional funding for archaeological work faces sustained pressure, community archaeology has emerged as a vital force in preserving and exploring the United Kingdom's heritage. Organisations such as the Council for British Archaeology have long championed the role of volunteers and local groups in contributing to archaeological knowledge, and the current climate makes their work more important than ever.

20 November 2025

Developer-Funded Archaeology: The Discoveries That Nearly Were Not Made

The planning system in England requires developers to consider the archaeological impact of their projects, a process overseen in part by Historic England and local authority archaeologists. This framework has led to some of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of recent decades, yet it is precisely this system that some voices wish to dilute in the name of faster development.

14 September 2025

The Skills Gap Threatening UK Archaeology's Future

The United Kingdom's archaeological sector is experiencing a growing disparity between the demand for qualified professionals and the supply of graduates entering the workforce. As commercial archaeology continues to expand, driven by major infrastructure projects and housing development programmes, the profession faces a serious challenge in recruiting and retaining skilled practitioners.

25 February 2025

Planning Reform and Archaeological Safeguards: What Is at Stake

The relationship between the planning system and archaeological protection has been one of the defining features of heritage management in England and Wales for over three decades. Since the introduction of Planning Policy Guidance 16 in 1990, later replaced by the National Planning Policy Framework, developers have been required to assess and mitigate the archaeological impact of their proposals.

18 January 2025

How Heritage Tourism Powers Local Economies

Heritage tourism is one of the most significant contributors to the United Kingdom's economy, drawing millions of domestic and international visitors to historic sites, museums, and cultural landscapes each year. The economic impact extends far beyond admission fees, supporting accommodation providers, restaurants, transport services, and a wide range of local businesses.

21 October 2024

University Archaeology Programmes: Facing the Challenge

Across the United Kingdom, university archaeology departments are navigating a period of exceptional difficulty. Funding pressures, changing government priorities, and declining student enrolment in some institutions have combined to create an environment in which the future of archaeological education is far from certain.