What’s New
Archaeology services are still very much at risk and the CBA has produced some advice for local groups who want to defend their archaeology: what to do if my local archaeology service is at risk.
CBA London has also produced some valuable guidance on how to run a campaign, available from their website.
Another good resource is from Rescue: the British Archaeological Trust which has published Fighting Back, some suggestions as to how to campaign to save museums, archaeological services and the historic environment.
Why Local Government Needs Archaeology Advisors
Local government archaeology and heritage services in England are coming under enormous pressure because of reductions in public service budgets, with drastic cuts in some places already. The Archaeology Forum has produced a document that sets out just why these advisory services matter. England’s local authorities currently enjoy access to a comprehensive network of archaeology advisors with an impressive array of specialist skills in the built, buried, coastal and marine historic environment. They are thinly spread but expert and very effective and we can’t afford to lose them.
If your local archaeological advisory service is under threat, this advice will help in making your argument to protect the public services that protect the historic environment. Download the document here. Contact the CBA if our members can help you support your area’s archaeological service. We have a wide network of institutional members, societies and groups that we can alert to the situation to exert some local pressure.
The CBA launch Window Watch as part of Climate Week
In line with the theme of this year’s Climate Week – ‘save the planet, save pounds’ – the CBA has launched the Window Watch campaign.
The project aims to increase awareness of the importance of historic windows around Britain and how they can contribute to reducing our carbon footprint.
The webpage will provide up to date information including tips on how to make historic windows energy efficient, information on window maintenance and the facts about windows and climate change legislation.
A flickr group is also up and running for anyone who would like to contribute pictures of historic windows in their area. There is also a topic thread for people to post any questions they might have.
See online for more information on windows and climate change
Climate Week 21–27 March 2011
Climate Week was launched in Westminster on 8 November and the CBA has signed on to support one week to show how we can combat climate change
. Climate Week is 21–27 March 2011 – watch out for the CBA’s campaign.
Consultation responses
The CBA contributes to Government consultations on matters of interest, in our statutory role as a national amenity society and as a champion of the public interest in archaeology. You can read recent CBA responses, letters and campaign statements on the consultation responses page.
Caring for ancient church sites
Thursday 7 October, St Williams College, York
The CBA and the Church Buildings Council collaborated in a joint event in York to encourage and support local stewardship of ancient church sites and ruins. For more details see the church archaeology page.
Climate Change
The summary report of the East Midlands Climate Change workshop is now available along with the matrix of direct and potential indirect climate change impacts and the presentations from the workshop. The project is supported by Defra, English Heritage and the CBA.
Heritage protection reform
The CBA’s initial response to the draft PPS15 and the Planning Practice Guide may be found on the consultation responses page.
Links to the draft PPS: Planning for the Historic Environment and the accompanying ‘living draft’ Practice Guide - deadline for responses 30 October - may be found on the HPR page.
Stonehenge
The designs for the new visitor centre facilities at Airman’s Corner, and the full application for planning permission may be downloaded from the Stonehenge page.
Balchin’s Victory
For the latest information on the Victory see the marine heritage page.
Marine and Coastal Access Bill
The latest news on the Scottish Marine Bill and the progress of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill through the House of Lords and links to the full debate on Clause 52 may be found on the marine heritage page.
CBA Conservation
The latest issue of CBA Conservation, a newsletter to keep people in touch with our conservation work, is now available for download from the Conservation newsletter page.
Guide to useful links for planning resources on the web
This guide provides web links to useful information relating to community involvement, planning, the historic environment and campaigning and is available for download from the Policy and Guidance pages.
Portable Antiquities Scheme
The Nighthawking report, launched on 16 February 2009, makes a series of conclusions and recommendations on the issue of ‘nighthawking’ (the search and removal of antiquities from the ground using metal detectors without the permission of the landowners or on prohibited land such as scheduled monuments). Further information may be found here.
