Participating in the Past: The Survey

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2 The Survey

The survey requested comment in three areas of public participation and provided an opportunity for some concluding free text. A letter inviting participation was distributed to all the CBA’s member organisations and a number of other bodies were canvassed for their opinions (see Appendix 3). Replies were invited by email or in letter form. There were 103 responses, 48 from individuals and 55 from organisations. Although most of the responses were from England, there were also valuable contributions from Scotland and Wales.

The questions were:

  1. Please provide examples of good practice in public participation in archaeology. These may be things you have initiated yourself or be things initiated by others which you recommend.
  2. What do you consider are the principal barriers to increasing public participation in archaeology in all its forms?
  3. Suggest realistic ways of reducing these barriers
  4. Are there any related issues you would wish the working party to address or other observations you would like to make?

As a large element of free-text was invited in the responses, it was never intended that any kind of numerical analysis be carried out on the results. The analysis and recommendations presented here arise from a detailed study of the replies and extensive discussion by the small working party set up by the CBA to consider the issue. The working party included representatives from England, Scotland and Wales. Inevitably the working party members have brought their own views and experience to the exercise, particularly in the recommendations for further action which conclude this report.

The working party were pleased that a good range of individuals and organisations responded, but readily acknowledges that nearly all already have, or have had, some kind of active connection with the archaeological world. The survey did not reach out to the uncommitted which would have been a task beyond the resources available. Nonetheless, it is hoped that the proposals at the conclusion of the report go some way to meeting the needs of a wider audience. The working party extends its thanks to all those who kindly contributed their thoughts.