(updated 7 January 2022)
The Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service (SCCAS) offices currently remain closed to visitors.
We are still working and responding to enquiries. You can contact us:
by phone on 01284 741230 between 9am and 5pm, Mondays to Fridays
by email on archaeology@suffolk.gov.uk
Specific advice relating to Archives, Finds Recording, Historic Environment Record and Development Management services is outlined below:
Archives
Advice for commercial units: The archive store is closed and we are unable to receive depositions for the foreseeable future. Please do send numbers of boxes prepared for deposition when ready, as these will be added to the list to enable us to organise the deposition as quickly as possible once the archives reopen.
Advice for researchers: We can still accommodate requests to use the paper archives as these can be sent digitally. If you wish to access the paper collections, please contact Julie Kennard directly to request items for digitisation: Julie.Kennard@suffolk.gov.uk or 07860833121
Finds Recording
Guidance on searching for archaeological finds in England during COVID-19
Please see the current government advice on searching for archaeological finds (with a metal detector, field-walking or mudlarking) in England during COVID-19.
Please ensure that you keep a detailed record of the findspot of all finds in accordance with the Code of Practice for Responsible Metal-Detecting in England and Wales for full recording.
Reporting finds and potential Treasure.
We will be coordinating the collection and delivery of finds strictly by appointment only.
To arrange an appointment, please contact Anna Booth by email: Anna.Booth@suffolk.gov.uk or by phone: 01284 741241 / 07816993437
Suffolk FLOs cannot send or receive finds by post, please do not post your finds.
Under the Treasure Act 1996, it is a legal obligation for the finder to report potential Treasure. For all new finds of potential Treasure, finders must notify their local Finds Liaison Officer (Anna.Booth@suffolk.gov.uk) and/or British Museum treasure team (in England) by email (treasure@britishmuseum.org), with photographs of the object and full details of the findspot, finders' and landowners' details, and await further instructions. The necessary precautions in place at the moment mean that there may be delays in the Treasure process.
We thank finders, landowners, occupiers and everyone involved in the process for their understanding, patience and cooperation during this time.
Historic Environment Record (HER)
The HER will continue to respond to email and phone enquiries.
Please use the online form for HER data requests and site code requests
Development Management
The Development Management team will continue to respond to email and phone enquiries.
Please use the online form to request an archaeological brief and specification.
To discuss ongoing site work, please contact your assigned archaeological officer.