Dorset County Council's Historic Environment team seeks to promote interest, understanding and enjoyment of Dorset's historic environment, and careful and sensitive development within it. This is done in a number of ways, which include providing information and advice on planning matters, historic buildings, agri-environment schemes, monument management, and the identification and recording of finds.

• Archaeology - local history information

  Dorset County Council's Historic Environment team seeks to promote interest, understanding and enjoyment of Dorset's local history, its historic environment and the careful and sensitive development within it. This is done in a number of ways, which include providing information and advice, and organising and promoting events and other activities.

• Historic sites and monuments

  Monuments and areas deemed to be of national importance are protected as scheduled monuments. Consent must be obtained from the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport for works affecting scheduled monuments.

• Archaeology - excavations and surveys

  The popular view sees archaeologists working in museums or as 'diggers' on excavations. Many still do work as excavators, usually for professional archaeological companies - 'contractors' who undertake development work.

• Archaeology - consultancy and advice

  Dorset County Council's Historic Environment team promotes sustainable conservation and development, and encourages greater understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of Dorset's historic Environment.