Curious about archaeology?

British Archaeology, the UK’s most talked about archaeology magazine, will suit anyone interested in the past – whether you enjoy watching archaeological documentaries, visiting historic buildings, excavating ancient sites, exploring local heritage, or taking part in community digs! With feature articles written by archaeologists, enthusists, and academics, the magazine is an authoritative, in-depth source of information on what’s new, interesting, and important in the world of archaeology.

British Archaeology is published six times a year by the Council for British Archaeology – an educational charity bridging the gap between professionals and the public. An established voice for archaeology in the UK, the CBA’s mission is to help people discover, explore, and protect our unique heritage.

Among the articles in the trial issue, underwater archaeologist Gary Bankhead updates us on the community-led investigation that revealed one of northern England’s most significant Roman industries; James Dilley explains the craft behind the Big Bronze Age Boat Build project; and the Diggers’ Forum asks, “Are commercial archaeologists miserable?”

Books and exhibitions are regularly reviewed; news pages highlight recent discoveries; CBA columns keep readers in touch with the charity’s casework, events, and youth work; and the illustrated Archaeology Now column summarises topical, thought-provoking issues.

Wildlife is declining globally, and the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. There are plenty of ways to boost biodiversity, however, and in this issue Dr Nick Overton digs into how the historic environment can help – and be helped by – nature recovery schemes. Reconnecting with local landscapes and their embedded stories underlies the history of the Leicestershire Fieldworkers and the CRAG community investigations in northeast Wales. These articles also emphasise that anyone can get involved in archaeology through personal interest and curiosity – qualities The Cornish Bottle Archive founders have in abundance. It is important to contain curiosity within ethical boundaries, though, both to protect material culture and to respect the people we study. Questions around the handling of skeletal collections recur throughout this issue, culminating in BABAO’s Archaeology Now article exposing the disturbing reality of the UK’s human remains market.