I have started a basic site recording guide which will introduce you to the basics of archaeological field recording. The focus of this guide will be on Second World War defences and how you can record local surviving sites.
The overall aim of this guide is to enable anyone to create detailed records that can then be submitted for inclusion in local Historic Environment Records, ensuring the long term preservation of surviving sites ‘in the record’ as a basic minimum.
You can find further support and information through the UK Second World War Facebook group. The group admins are more than happy to provide advice for anyone wishing to undertake a field recording and research project.
A detailed Site Type Guide is also being produced on the UK Second World War Heritage website which cover specific defence types and how to record them to archaeological standards. The guide features interactive models that highlight the range of sites and their dimensions.
A comprehensive set of Good Practice Guidelines can also be found on the UK Second World War Heritage website. Please consult these before undertaking fieldwork so that you are aware of the responsibilities and legalities of undertaking field work in the UK.
If you would like to help support my work, why not Buy Me A Coffee over on Ko-Fi?
Guides published so far are-
Starting Out- An introduction to sources of information
Starting Out: Part 2- Further sources of information
Investigating Aerial Photographs- An introduction to aerial photograph interpretation
Planning Your Project- A guide to planning your field work
Introduction to Field Recording- Part 1: Grid References & Directions
Introduction to Field Recording- Part 2: Making Observations & Assessing Strategy
Introduction to Field Recording- Part 3: Writing A Site Description
Introduction to Field Recording Part 4- Construction Materials and Condition
Introduction to Field Recording Part 5- Photographic Surveys and Sketch Plans
I will add further information to this guide when time permits. Watch this space!
Chris Kolonko 