The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have published, online, a new survey of public users’ needs for archaeology. The “Trowel and Error” report is the most comprehensive study in 25 years exploring how people across the UK engage with, value, and access archaeological information.

The research was led by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) in partnership with MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology), and was funded by Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, and Cadw. The project gathered insight from more than 3,100 people, including archaeologists, students, volunteers, heritage professionals, and members of the public.

Building on an earlier 1999 ‘Publication User Needs Survey’, this fresh research examines how digital technology, social media, and shifting audience expectations are transforming the way archaeological information is shared. The findings offer a detailed picture of what people look for in archaeological communication in 2025, and how the sector can make its work more open, relevant, and accessible.

The report’s recommendations cover:

• Mitigating the negative consequences of a data-first culture in archaeology
• Resolving issues around siloed and dispersed archaeological datasets
• Increasing accessibility and inclusion for audiences
• Approaching audiences and evaluating their experiences to understand the value of archaeology to wider society

The full report, public summaries, and the supporting appendices can be accessed via the CBA website here: https://www.archaeologyuk.org/our-work/trowel-and-error.html