Wessex Archaeology’s Heritage team has welcomed a new member of staff. Alex Godden joins the Salisbury office as a Principal Heritage Consultant, following two years as an archaeological consultant and over ten years working as a local government archaeologist.
“My new role involves writing desk-based archaeological assessments, Environmental Impact Assessment chapters (EIAs) and Written Schemes of Investigation (WSIs) for archaeological investigations, carrying out condition surveys of archaeological sites, advising on planning processes, and incorporating heritage into design schemes.
In my previous role as a local authority planning archaeologist, I was responsible for the statutory provision of archaeological advice and information on development and land-use change within the planning system, which included the monitoring of archaeological investigations, writing briefs and carrying out walk-over and condition surveys. I also worked closely with Thames Valley Police and Historic England on developing policies and procedures to combat heritage crime, and have produced a series of heritage walks aimed at raising the profile of heritage assets to local communities. I also have experience of historic data management and GIS applications in archaeology and regularly give talks to local heritage societies on a wide range of topics.
I have a MA in Local Regional History and Archaeology and a BA in Archaeological Practice. My academic interests include the re-interpretation of archaeological sites by successive cultures, with a focus on folklore.
I enjoy demonstrating the value of the archaeological resource to a wide range of audiences, and highlighting the benefits that engagement with the historic environment can bring to developers, land owners and communities. I am a keen mountain biker, hiker and reader (usually of weird fiction) and can often be seen jumping around at alternative music gigs.”
Welcome to Wessex Archaeology, Alex!