Information on archaeological finds and features, including historic buildings and maritime archaeology is held in the Dorset Historic Environment Record (HER), which is available for public consultation.

Information contained in the HER supports the work of Dorset County Council's Historic Environment team in providing specialist advice to colleagues at Dorset County Council and other local authorities, and to residents, landowners and managers in the county on planning matters, agri-environment schemes, monument management, and the identification and recording of finds.

Team members participate in the development of local, regional and national policies for development and research in the historic environment. In particular, the Dorset Heritage Strategy discusses current knowledge and research needs for different aspects of the county's historic environment.

• Historic Environment Record

  The Dorset Historic Environment Record (HER) is a record of all aspects of the historic environment of the county. It is a public record and enquiries are welcome.

• Archaeological finds

  We are always pleased to record archaeological finds; even isolated finds may add something to our understanding of Dorset's past. We can help with identification and reporting, and advise on care of finds.

• Leaflets and other publications

  A number of publications relating to the historic environment are available from Dorset County Council: leaflets about the work of the council's Historic Environment team, strategy documents, books, and postcards.

• Things to do

  There are lots of ways to enjoy and protect our historic environment - clubs and societies, talks, walks and other events, reporting finds and observations, helping in a museum, excavation or survey work, enrolling for courses or training opportunities.