Archaeology surveys
The High Weald is full of archaeology that has yet to be discovered and recorded.
Archaeological surveys tell a story about human use of our landscape and help protect rare features from damage and loss, particularly if woodland management works or development is planned.
We have a range of toolkits for those interested in surveying the archaeology of the High Weald’s special habitats, including woodlands and historic routeways.
We also hold LiDAR light detection and ranging) images for the Weald Forest Ridge Area of the High Weald. These images reveal archaeological features that are hidden by trees in aerial photos or are hard to spot on the ground.
Want to know more? Our Archaeology page highlights some of the archaeological features found across the High Weald.
Getting started
Before undertaking a survey, you may wish to find out more about records that already exist for your area by contacting the relevant county record centres.
East Sussex: East Sussex and Brighton and Hove Record Office – The Keep
West Sussex: West Sussex Record Office
Kent: Kent Archives
Surrey: Surrey Heritage
Our guidance will help you undertake archaeological surveys of the High Weald’s ancient woods and routeways.
If you would like help using these toolkits, or would like details of specialists who can undertake an archaeology survey, please get in touch.
Woodland archaeology toolkits
These toolkits have been developed for use with LiDAR images but they are also suitable for use without. The toolkits provide a guide to:
- Undertaking a survey, highlighting useful equipment and providing recording templates
- Identifying archaeological features, categorised as levelled areas, hollows or mounds or watercourses and ditches
- Finding out about past use of a site or area from a wealth of records.
Routeways survey pack
A routeway can be a road, a footpath, a bridleway, or a route no longer used but still visible in the landscape. The pack provides a guide to:
- looking at their physical character
- identifying historic features along them
- undertaking a simple ecological survey
- carrying out archive research.