Landscape Survey

Overview

Landscape survey is an essential tool in helping Historic England meet the objectives and priorities outlined in our Corporate Plan. One of the pioneers of local history, W. G. Hoskins, famously noted that "landscape is the richest historical record we possess." Historic England’s experienced and knowledgeable landscape archaeologists are well-equipped to explore and explain what that record contains.

Through experienced observation, measurement and critical analysis we bring understanding to landscapes and the archaeological monuments they contain, and in so doing encourage everyone to appreciate and protect the history and heritage that surrounds us.

Analytical field survey

Our work includes analytical earthwork surveys to understand the physical form and development of archaeological sites, which can be of any size, type or period, from prehistory to the near-present. Examples include hillforts, deserted medieval settlements, historic parks, former industrial complexes and twentieth-century military installations.

Through detailed observation, measurement, and interpretation we unlock stories that make sense of a site within its surrounding landscape and often within a wider context of national significance. Typically, this work involves the use of global satellite navigation systems, total station theodolites, graphical survey techniques, and increasingly, drone-acquired elevation models in the field, alongside contextual and documentary research.

Extensive landscape survey

Sometimes we work with much larger areas, usually those whose landscape history is poorly understood and vulnerable to substantial change or neglect. Such surveys, often undertaken in partnership with specialists in aerial or architectural investigation, help to identify opportunities to improve development or management plans, enhance public understanding, and avoid unintended heritage loss. We are also developing new strategic approaches using existing heritage data to visualise the historic environment’s sensitivity and capacity to absorb change.

In areas where heritage assets are already valued and protected, such as National Parks, National Landscapes or World Heritage Sites, our work often supports public participation in the process of archaeological discovery, recording and interpretation, leading to improved presentation and appreciation of the historic dimensions of the landscape. For more information on our landscape strategy and its implementation see our rural advice pages

Variety in landscape 

Not all landscapes are rural, and few townscapes are completely urban. We apply the principles of observation, measurement, analysis and interpretation across a wide range of locations, from monastic precincts now serving as urban greenspaces to long-abandoned gunpowder works nestled within the ‘natural’ landscapes of our national parks. Military sites such as coastal forts and batteries can be found within port towns or seaside resorts, while training and weapon-testing facilities from the First World War to the Cold War extend across miles of seemingly open moorland. Together with our colleagues in the wider Archaeological Investigation Team and other departments, we are equipped to discover, interpret, and characterise significant heritage assets wherever they may be found, and to share their story.

Landscape survey methods 

Our survey methods are both traditional and technical, so too the advice we provide. Specific guidance on recording and understanding archaeological landscapes, graphical survey techniques, the use of global satellite navigation systems and total station theodolites for earthwork survey, and development in use of lidar and (forthcoming) drone-acquired elevation models, can be found on our recording heritage page

Many other reports from Historic England research can be found on the research report database, including a map search facility. 

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