The county council's Field Archaeology Unit (FAU) is a team of specialist archaeologists who carry out a wide range of field projects. These include excavation, survey, finds study and buildings recording. The team is based at Fairfield Court in central Braintree.

The Field Archaeology Unit undertakes about 60 to 80 projects each year, varying from half a day looking down foundation trenches for a single house, to many months excavating several hectares in advance of gravel quarrying. Particular specialisms have been developed in the archaeology of the inter-tidal zone, topographical survey, fieldwalking, the recording of standing buildings and desk-top assessments of archaeological potential.

Most projects derive from the impact of planning proposals on archaeological sites, where archaeological investigation needs to be carried out before development takes place. In these cases, the work is commissioned by the developer.

Research-based projects are also undertaken, usually grant-aided by English Heritage. A recent example is the investigation of the errosion of sites along the Essex coast.

Finally, FAU staff regularly give lectures, and participate in conferences, seminars and workshops.

Useful contacts:
Unit manager, Mark Atkinson
01376 331431
fieldarch@essexcc.gov.uk

Office manager, Frances van Keulen
01376 331431
fieldarch@essexcc.gov.uk

Field Archaeology Unit
Fairfield Court
Fairfield Road
Braintree CM7 3YQ