Archaeology and heritage
We are committed to playing an active part in identifying and preserving the UK's cultural heritage. Our pre-quarrying archaeological surveys determine if any important historical sites exist on our land, and this is a key part of every planning application. We fund investigations into archaeological remains, so that they can be preserved off-site, catalogued or left in situ.
Our actions
Archaeological investigations
Prior to any mineral extraction, we use independent archaeological experts across our UK sites to assess the existence and cultural significance of any potential archaeological remains. In 2011, we spent over £311,000 on archaeological research and investigation.
Providing access to archaeology investigations helps us to forge links with educational research and local interest groups and enables us to uncover the past. In 2011, for example, this work enabled a team of archaeologists at our Langford quarry in Nottinghamshire to uncover a Romano-British village, one of the most significant and exciting finds of its kind made in this country.
The Tarmac-funded dig has discovered eight stone-line wells, burial chambers, jewellery and coins from the Romano-British period, as well as artifacts dating from much further back, including a rare 3,500-year-old stone macehead and three ornate 1,400-year-old brooches.
Read more about the Roman village discovery
Tarmac is a member of the British Marine Aggregate Producers Association (BMAPA), an organisation that works to preserve our marine heritage and enhance our understanding of the marine environment. Tarmac is a signatory to the code of best practice, drawn up by the BMAPA and English Heritage, on how to protect marine archaeology and how to report marine finds. For the second year in a row, we have won awards for our work on reporting and preserving archaeological finds from our dredging business in 2011. We scooped two awards in the annual BMAPA awards, including the prize for ‘Best Attitude on a Wharf or Ship’ and ‘Best Find’.
Read more about our success at BMAPA awards
Schools and archaeology
Working with schools across the UK, we engage with our communities and share with the younger generation the importance of quarrying and mineral extraction, what it means to be a responsible business, and the variety of careers that exist at Tarmac. As part of these school engagement activities, we invite school groups onto our sites to visit archaeological areas of interest in support of their studies.
