n.a. (2003). Towards a research agenda for Welsh archaeology:. Oxford: Archaeopress.

outlines the background to the process of developing a national research strategy for Welsh archaeology, and reports on progress since September 2001

considers the relationship between archaeologists and the development sector, and looks at various frameworks and approaches that potentially provide good opportunities to enable well-funded archaeological research, illustrating these approaches with case studies

the author suggests that archaeologists need to ask why recording is needed, what is being recorded, and who it is being recorded for, and must address both current and future needs. By following environmental principles such as sustainability and `reduce, reuse and recycle', data input and output can be ensured and maximised. She argues that SMRs and related information systems are a great potential resource for enabling and disseminating research, but a strategy for these information systems is needed

the relationship of Welsh archaeology to scholarship, tourism, outreach and media image, and to national and local government, is briefly considered, and archaeology as a career is discussed. Recent proposed or effective changes in the English and Scottish governmental heritage organisations are noted and the present administrative structures which resource and guide heritage interests in Wales are examined with a view to their future governance. The departmentally integrated model of Northern Ireland is described, and the author considers whether some structural features may also be applicable to Wales. Archaeologists are urged to raise the profile of archaeological interests by using the democratic process

discusses the opportunities offered by recent advances in digital technology for recording archaeological sites and for the distribution of information to a wider audience through the Internet. The paper examines data management issues that need to be addressed to realise these opportunities and suggests strategies for integrating different forms of digital resource, such as text descriptions, images and mapping

the potential for different types of environmental analysis and the opportunities offered by different landscapes in Wales are considered. Priorities for investigation are discussed on a period basis. Key research themes are identified

the author considers the shortage of evidence of settlement in Neolithic and Bronze Age Wales, and in Britain generally, and considers what can be done to restore the balance

adopting the themes of chronologies; settlements; landscape and people; material culture; regionality; and processes of change, the paper attempts to identify gaps in understanding of the Welsh Iron Age. Some research priorities are suggested. The study aims to encourage thinking and discussion about the Iron Age at the outset of developing inclusive and integrative research agenda for Wales

the paper discusses the shortage of major works of synthesis for medieval archaeology in Wales, despite the quantity of new evidence, and acknowledges the necessity for setting clear research aims for projects involving data acquisition, though with the acceptance that these aims may alter as the project progresses and the final product(s) may not always be as anticipated. Various gaps in current knowledge, particularly in chronological development, are identified, along with the importance of understanding sites within their landscape context and the need to broadcast knowledge to a wide public

the paper considers the results of tree-ring dating in Wales during the last thirty or so years, and their relevance for both archaeological (waterlogged) sites and for buildings. The author argues that as chronologies have been obtained from most parts of Wales, a platform now exists for future research on an all-Wales basis. A research agendum for standing structures is outlined, and all available tree-ring dates from Welsh sites are listed in

the comprehensive archaeological and architectural survey of an important listed building, Cefn Mably House, is discussed. It is argued that an integrated programme of work, including buildings survey, dendrochronology, excavation and garden survey, has allowed a rephasing of the development of this complex structure. Future application of a similar approach is advocated for structures of comparable significance, to ensure that buildings are understood as part of the wider historic landscape. It is also suggested that a reassessment is made of the roles of various organisations and legislative procedures for management of historic buildings, including the requirements of planning conditions and listed building consent

the ways in which aerial photography is currently employed for recording the historic environment are examined from the point of view of RCAHMW. The lessons already learnt are discussed with examples of recent recording programmes and outputs. The nature and range of aerial discoveries over the last decade is also examined and the future roles of aerial reconnaissance and air photo mapping are considered together with the need for effective dissemination of the resultant information

a limited range of the raw materials available for building and making artefacts and ornaments in historic and prehistoric Wales are discussed. Questions are posed about the quality of provenancing methodologies related to the availability, procurement and quality of: flint, axe-making stones, amber and jet-like materials, metal ores and some building stone. Particular attention is drawn to the value of sampling geologically recycled deposits to help understand their use as a resource in antiquity. The practices of using bog timber and peat on habitation sites, and in historical mining and metallurgy are noted and their potential to provide anachronous dates from excavations is explained. It is argued that the combination of context-documented culturally diagnostic artefacts from excavated sites with at least one form of laboratory dating may offer more secure chronologies for some early site types than do exclusive forms like radiocarbon dating. The author also argues that archaeologists and the public should be encouraged to collect materials from geological milieux to help create comprehensive reference collections and gazetteers for visual comparison with artefacts and for laboratory provenancing studies