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lithoscapes archaeological research foundation® is an innovative, independent educational charity set up in 2012 to undertake research, promote, educate and advise on various aspects of archaeology, heritage and the historical environment.

“What counts is not what sounds plausible, not what we would like to believe, not what one or two witnesses claim, but only what is supported by hard evidence rigorously and sceptically examined. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” –  Carl Sagan

Our mission is to make the archaeological lithic record, in all its forms—our most enduring evidence for past human activity—resilient and useful to future generations across local communities, researchers and decision-makers. We advise on proven best practices in dealing with lithic artefacts and assemblages, their contextual preservation, conservation or recovery—their analysis, archival storage, display and publication.

lithoscapes specialises in providing a modular suite of complementary professional, advisory and analytical services, including education and training. We bring together the know-how that helps unlock the full potential of our rich lithic heritage. Our experience, strategies and methodologies ensure that:

• Your project research designs are comprehensive, effective and compelling to give grant applications and funding initiatives the best chance of success
• Team members are trained appropriately for each stage of decision-making, implementation and communication—no matter what their expertise or background is
• Standards are maintained and evolved as part of a shared, consistent and replicable approach to archaeological asset management, preservation or recovery
• Interpreted results are shared—and enjoyed—across existing and new stakeholder audiences, with consumer listening, testing and satisfaction analysis
• Your projects have the best inclusivity across diverse audiences to generate foot-fall (visits, readership, sponsorship) with effective interactive social media engagements throughout (Web, Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Video)

Our network of expert practitioners brings together a unique, comprehensive pool of talent across the life cycle of public engagements with, and understanding of, the archaeological record. Our cooperative venture aims to combine:

• Community evangelists and experts in making voluntary ventures safe and successful
• Project managers as mentors or for in-field and archival activities
• Academic researchers across all allied aspects of our lithic heritage
• Professional and commercial enterprises at every stage of implementation
• Interpretation, presentation and education including re-enactors and contemporary artisans that bring the past to life

Our partnerships span academic, professional, commercial and community enterprises across the broad spectrum of archaeological and heritage interests. By partnering with lithoscapes you can tap into the skills, experience—and passion—of this extended community to ensure your ventures are successful and rewarding.

Our think tank approach promotes methodological standards and best practice in prehistoric archaeology based on scientific research. We promote the managed exchange of ideas to establish national and international standards in the treatment of lithic artefactual evidence through a peer-based consensus that is regularly published and available to all—our open access philosophy

Current projects

• Establish and maintain an agreed standardised technology-based and explicitly defined Mesolithic lithic typology and raw material sourcing framework, working in partnership with a wide range of archaeologists and geomorphologists
• Investigate how lithic scatters can be protected against current development threats (e.g. windfarm and deregulated developments especially where local authority units have been reduced or closed), in partnership with academics, local authorities and national organisations
• Provide educational and training opportunities for professional and amateur archaeologists alike, building relationships between aspiring, professional and community practitioners across generations, diverse backgrounds and social opportunities—with certification and accreditation levels that give you a leading edge in interviews and competitive tenders
• Develop a range of best practice guidelines for public and archaeological community consumption. In this project we aim to work in partnership with national bodies such as the Council for British Archaeology, Lithics Studies Society, Prehistoric Society and more stakeholders who care about community participation, heritage preservation, scientific recovery, results dissemination and best practices throughout
• Develop a range of research resources for the archaeological community
• Work with Local authorities to help improve Historic Environment Records, testing legacy records, adding new records and detail (including chronological parameters), prioritising risks, threats and opportunities in on-going archaeological asset management

“The most erroneous stories are those we think we know best—and therefore never scrutinise or question.” – Stephen J Gould

Contact us

info [at] lithoscapes.co.uk
Twitter https://www.twitter.com/Lithoscapes | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Lithoscapes

People

Dr Paul R Preston | Director & Lead Researcher |  http://lithoscapes.academia.edu/PaulRPreston

Spencer Carter | Operations Manager & Research Associate |  http://lithoscapes.academia.edu/SpencerCarter