Excavation and field judgement
Careful hand excavation, archaeological observation and adapting field decisions to the evidence exposed on site.
Founder and named archaeologist
Adrian Wellard
Practical archaeological field experience, applied to the realities of development programmes.
Adrian founded Cambridge Development Archaeology to give clients a direct line between site review, field decisions and clear communication. His background combines excavation and recording with supervision, surveying, QGIS and experience of construction and utilities environments.
- Field experience
- From 2018
- Role
- Founder and archaeologist
- Field practice
- Excavation, recording and sampling
- Technical tools
- Surveying and QGIS
Professional practice
Field capability that connects evidence to delivery
Development archaeology depends on disciplined recording in the ground and timely decisions around it. Adrian’s experience spans both the detailed field task and the coordination needed to keep work moving safely and coherently.
Recording and sampling
Context recording, photography, measured information and sample handling that preserve the evidence needed for later assessment and reporting.
Supervision and coordination
Allocating work, coordinating field teams and communicating changing site requirements while maintaining consistent records.
Survey and spatial data
Field surveying and QGIS-supported practice used to locate, organise and interpret archaeological information.
On your project
A named point of archaeological responsibility
The practice is built around direct practitioner involvement rather than an anonymous hand-off between sales, fieldwork and reporting teams.
- Review the planning condition, brief, existing reports and development programme before scope is committed
- Translate the archaeological requirement into a practical fieldwork sequence, with assumptions and constraints made visible
- Maintain clear communication as field evidence develops and flag programme or cost consequences early
- Keep the path from field records to reporting, archive and condition discharge in view from the outset
Experience record
Field and technical experience
- 2018 onward
- Archaeological fieldwork followed by supervisory responsibilities across commercial archaeology engagements.
- Field practice
- Excavation, archaeological observation, context recording, photography and sample handling.
- Coordination
- Field-team supervision, work allocation, fieldwork planning and communication within active site environments.
- Survey and digital
- Field surveying, spatial information and QGIS-supported archaeological practice.
- Continuing education
- Certificate in World Archaeology, University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, completed in 2025.
Professional record
Experience brought into the practice
Adrian’s earlier fieldwork was delivered with archaeological organisations before Cambridge Development Archaeology was founded. It informs the practical approach he now brings to the practice.
The public profile and course information below provide further professional context. Our editorial standards explain how technical guidance, practitioner information and project material are maintained.
Project review
Put the site in front of the archaeologist
Send the planning condition, brief, programme and available reports for a practical first review.