Field archaeology is used more and more by researchers and managers of historic parks and gardens to further their understanding of a landscape's cultural significance and inform plans for its future conservation.

Understanding of physical changes to a garden's design, layout and uses can be gained through survey and excavation, research and analysis. Archaeological results complement the work of the garden historian and often illustrate or enhance the detail of historic written records, maps and plans.

Aerial photos, surveys and excavation
Methods employed include the study of aerial photographs as well as topographical and geophysical surveys to record subtle surface or below-ground features. Excavation, used cautiously, will provide detail of the fabric and construction of features such as paths, the sites of monuments, statues or other architectural elements, including the layout of beds.

Soil analysis
Under certain conditions, soil analysis can also provide detailed evidence of vegetation and the history of planting through seed and pollen remains. Above ground, archaeological analysis can further our understanding of the development and use of garden buildings and their conservation.

The archaeologist is interested in studying the landscape and cultural setting of the historic garden, its relationship to a family, house, settlement or community, its status and symbolism. All these elements are vital for assessing a garden's significance and helping to guide conservation policy.

It has been used most effectively at, for example, Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire, where features of the historic garden were revealed by excavation during its restoration. Large-scale conservation projects within designed landscapes at Stowe in Buckinghamshire, Prior Park, Bath and at Croome Park in Worcestershire have also benefited from accompanying archaeological research and survey. Archaeological survey at Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey has contributed to the formation of the World Heritage Site management plan.