Archaeology and Historic Environment Service

What is the Archaeology and Historic Environment Service?

Stone tower on a green field with blue windy sky and wispy clouds

Our Archaeology and Historic Environment Service provides information and advice about the historic environment of the Isle of Wight and its surrounding waters. We help protect the Isle of Wight’s history — on land and under the sea.

We provide advice at all stages of the planning process.

We advise on matters relating to the conservation and management of the rural historic environment.

We maintain the Historic Environment Record (HER). This is the Island’s most comprehensive source of information on all aspects of the historic environment. It provides information from the earliest evidence of humans to the present day.

Our Finds Liaison Officer of the Portable Antiquities Scheme carries out identifications of archaeological finds made by members of the public. This means If you find something old or unusual, our Finds Liaison Officer can help you identify it.