Community Archaeology

Formally known as the CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF EUROPE 

Revised in Valletta 1992.

It defines archaeological heritage and the signatories promise to make and maintain an inventory of it and to legislate for its protection.

The emphasis is on protection of sites for future study, the reporting of chance finds the control of excavations and the use of metal detectors.

Signatories (including the UK) also promise to allow the input of expert archaeologists into the making of planning policies and planning decisions.

Article 3 = to ensure that excavations and other potentially destructive techniques are carried out only by qualified, specially authorised persons

Discovery and Reporting of Treasure

When someone discovers an artefact or coins that she or he believes meets the criteria for Treasure they have 14 days within which they should notify the Coroner in that district. 

A Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) can not only aid in the initial identification of the find but can also report the find to the Coroner on behalf of the finder. The FLO can also report the find to the Treasure Section at the British Museum (in England) who will issue a unique Treasure reference number for the find. 

TREASURE = Any metallic object, other than a coin, 10% or more precious metal and at least 300 years old OR any % if the object is prehistoric. Any group (2+) metallic objects of any composition of prehistoric date. 2+ coins from the same find that are 300+ years old and contain 10% gold/silver, or 10+ from the same find if less than 10%. Any object found in the same place as, or had previously been together with, another object that is Treasure. Any object that would previously have been treasure trove, but does not fall within the specific categories given above. 

The CBA found that there are at least 2,030 voluntary groups and societies active in the UK that interact with archaeological heritage in a wide variety of ways. This represents approximately 215,000 individuals.

Groups vary from not very active through to extremely active, although excavation is an activity only in 41% of instances. Other popular activities include recording through photography, attending talks or lectures, lobbying on heritage issues, and fieldwalking.

Group activities, even level of expertise, are significantly influenced by local conditions, such as relationship with professional archaeologists, legislation, and availability of grants.

• Shares understanding of the past and how it relates to the present 
• Builds identities and communities
• Promotes shared values
• Creates support for archaeology/ heritage
• Prevents heritage crime
• Promotes well being through community projects