Whether you’re a developer aiming to increase social value on a project, or a local community group looking to expand your heritage events, Elder Archaeology, CIC can help deliver high-impact community excavations that engage, educate, and inspire. At Elder Archaeology heritage is about connecting people, building skills, and strengthening local identity.

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Our team supports groups at every stage of a project. For developers and public sector organisations, we integrate community engagement seamlessly into larger infrastructure or heritage programmes, helping with project design, funding, volunteer recruitment, and on-site management. For community groups, we provide practical support for events and excavations, from planning and health and safety guidance to training volunteers and creating interpretation materials. Every project is tailored to the group, ensuring meaningful participation and lasting impact.

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Elder Archaeology’s approach is hands-on and collaborative. Led by Dr Colin Elder, our award-winning projects, like Big Dig Rochdale 2.0 and the Broadfield Park Slopes Regeneration Programme, have involved hundreds of volunteers, schoolchildren, and local trainees. We provide mentoring and training across fieldwork, finds processing, oral history, and heritage interpretation, helping participants gain practical skills while contributing to real archaeological research.

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We focus on accessibility, inclusion, and measurable community benefit. Whether it’s a one-off excavation, a long-term programme, or a heritage event tied to development, we combine professional rigour with community collaboration to achieve both archaeological and social outcomes.

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Choosing Elder Archaeology means more than hiring a contractor—it means partnering with a team dedicated to making heritage meaningful for everyone. Together, we create archaeology that uncovers the past, builds skills, and strengthens communities.