Good property management is always a balancing act, but archaeological interests aren't always the easiest to assess and take into account. With various tiers of expertise in archaeology, the National Trust ensures that these interests are not overlooked.

Archaeological expertise

To advise on the best management of its archaeological resource, the National Trust has a team of centrally based advisers and a number of regional archaeologists who form part of the regional management teams. These all contribute towards discrete property or site-based needs. On a wider scale they work to create regional strategies and national policies, through consultation with regional management staff, statutory agencies and other organisations at local, regional and national level. Where a large project calls for dedicated but temporary archaeological involvement, a consultant archaeologist is employed on contract for the term of the project.

Nothing exists in isolation. What is beneficial for the archaeology of a site or property may be damaging to other Trust interests. It is essential to be aware of potential conflicts and to try to resolve these at an early stage, if necessary through mitigation, as part of the process of good professional practice.

Professional partnerships

An important part of the archaeologist's work in the Trust is to generate and pursue partnerships and build good relationships with other professional bodies. This is inevitable in dealing with the management of some properties where powerful designations highlight their international or national significance. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in Yorkshire, Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire, Hadrian's Wall & Housesteads Fort in Northumbria, Cornish Mines & Engines and Levant Mine and Beam Engine in Cornwall are all World Heritage Sites designated by UNESCO for their universal cultural value, and their management is achieved through consultation and partnership.

Sites which are in Guardianship or which are Scheduled Monuments will inevitably involve consultation with English Heritage, CADW or the Environment & Heritage Service (Northern Ireland). Partnership projects enable funding for research and survey, which will benefit all contributors. A proposed collaborative survey of the coast of England has already been mentioned. Others which are current include an archaeological assessment of the medieval town of Winchelsea in Sussex, the historic survey and analysis of the Malvern Hills AONB on the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and specialist surveys of industrial sites in the Lake District.

The Archaeology Panel

The National Trust's Archaeology Panel is another valued means of delivering advice on archaeology and the historic environment. The Panel is composed of senior members of the profession, all of whom voluntarily offer their time and skilled advice, providing strong support in the resolution of issues, the formation of policy and the exercise of debate.