The physical remains of the past hold our shared story. Understanding what came before us creates a sense of place and identity which can inform and enrich our lives today. This is recognised in the UK's planning process, which seeks to strengthen local economies, support communities, and protect and enhance our environment through consideration of archaeology and heritage in development. Through our investigations, we help to physically and digitally preserve the past and ensure it is accessible to everyone now and forever.
Why archaeology matters
![School visit on an archaeological excavation](/sites/default/files/styles/square_large/public/2023-05/Slade_End_Farm_School_Visit.jpg.webp?itok=dxJirdrG)
Project feed
Every week our teams of archaeologists are uncovering interesting finds across the country. Whether it is an artefact or an ecofact, each piece of evidence helps us build a more detailed picture of the past.
Join us in an exciting journey of discovery through our Project Feed.
![Portrait of Adam Parson](/sites/default/files/styles/project_feed_person/public/2023-05/Adam_Parsons_0.jpg.webp?itok=kAVebDQ-)
Adam is in our Lancaster office
Adam had some great high school work experience volunteers in the office learning about archaeological illustration and how art and geometry are used to reconstruct roman pottery!
![A student learning to do the archaeological illustration of a metal object](/sites/default/files/styles/project_feed_image/public/2023-07/Lanc_WorkExperience_Engagement_ProjectFeed1%20%281%29.jpg.webp?itok=4VMy0bT7)
![Clem](/sites/default/files/styles/project_feed_person/public/2023-05/Clem_Cooper-crop.jpg.webp?itok=KO5IvLMY)
Clem is at the Begbroke Science Park, South East region
Our Community Archaeology Manager, Clem Cooper, took part in the Science Wonder garden party hosted by the University of Oxford at their new Science Park in Begbroke. Clem showed some of our finds from Begbroke and nearby areas and talked about OA's work in and around Oxford.
![Clem with a stall to showcase finds](/sites/default/files/styles/project_feed_image/public/2023-07/20230701_103438.jpg.webp?itok=9xoljbUw)