Research

Stonehenge and Avebury are at the forefront of archaeological research worldwide.

16kg Flint Mega-Core, West Kennet Palisades © Wessex Archaeology

Why is research important?

We encourage and promote sustainable research to inform how the World Heritage Site is cared for.

We can all better protect and conserve Stonehenge and Avebury by improving our understanding of the site’s archaeological, historic and environmental value and by sharing the story more widely.

How we care for the site

Geophysics in Avebury Henge © National Trust Images / Abby George

Avebury and Stonehenge Archaeological and Historical Research Group

ASAHRG includes professional curators, academics and freelance researchers who work across Stonehenge, Avebury and the surrounding landscapes.

The group meets to exchange knowledge and to encourage, coordinate and disseminate archaeological and historical research. ASAHRG played an important role in developing the World Heritage Site Research Framework as a collaborative document encompassing the widest possible set of views and priorities.

Visit the ASAHRG website

Research Framework

The framework provides a united historic environment research agenda and strategy for Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site.

View the framework

Research Agenda and Strategy (2016)

Building on the accompanying resource assessments to provide the first fully integrated Research Framework for the World Heritage Site in its entirety.

Download

Avebury Resource Assessment (2016)

Summarising the known archaeological and historical record of Avebury and the key techniques used in their investigation.

Download

Stonehenge Landscape Research Activity (2012)

Summarising the advances in knowledge since the first Stonehenge Research Framework in 2005.

Download

Volunteering

Our partners have hundreds of volunteers who make a huge difference by helping to conserve and share the World Heritage Site for current and future generations.

Find out how to volunteer