Volunteering with Heritage

Kent's Historic Environment Record has information on archaeological sites, historic buildings and landscapes, archaeological events and sources. These records are linked to a digital mapping system.

The database is maintained by Kent County Council and is available to view online.

The information in the Historic Environment Record comes from a range of sources - archaeological projects carried out as part of the development control process, academic and other researchers, national projects and casual or chance discoveries.

Similarly, it is used for a range of purposes - to inform planning decisions and archaeological projects, as a basis for archaeological research and for education, public access and outreach projects.

An enormous amount of new archaeological work is carried out each year. We receive hundreds of archaeological reports every year, in addition to the results from a large number of research projects.

All this information needs to be added to the Historic Environment Record, so that everyone can use it.

How can I help?

Kent County Council is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to add information to the Historic Environment Record, and play a critical role in the conservation of Kent's heritage.

You may already have extensive knowledge, and we hope that you will feel able to add this to our existing information.

What would I do?

Volunteer Historic Environment Record Officers work within our Historic Environment Record team, helping to create new records from our collection of archaeological reports.

We provide full training and support during your volunteer period (no previous experience is required). You will work through the archaeological reports, compare them with existing records and, as appropriate, either add information to existing records or create new ones.

Most of this work is based on the reports alone, but sometimes, it is necessary to use aerial photographs, historic maps or other documentary sources to enhance the record.

What would I learn?

Lots! Volunteers wishing to make a career in archaeology will gain vital experience at working with a real Historic Environment Record in a busy county Heritage team.

You will learn about the thinking process behind Historic Environment Records, the software used and how information is gathered and managed.

Volunteers who are just interested in making a contribution to Kent's heritage will learn about the very latest archaeological discoveries in the county, much more about their own area or theme of interest and how a busy county unit operates.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone with an interest in the heritage of Kent and a solid understanding of UK archaeology can volunteer. You might be an undergraduate studying archaeology, a member of a local history or archaeology society, a graduate or archaeologist looking for more experience or a member of the public with good knowledge of the past who wants to become involved in Kent's heritage in a meaningful way.

All we ask is that you commit to spending some time with us. This can be either full-time or part-time.