Mesolithic Research and Conservation Framework of England

Developing the Mesolithic Research and Conservation Framework is an English Heritage funded project to update the archaeology community's priorities for future research into the period. In 1999 the first Palaeolithic and Mesolithic framework document was produced. Due to significant advances in Palaeolithic research, a new Research and Conservation Framework document was published in 2008 for the Palaeolithic alone, in which it was noted that Mesolithic archaeology had developed a distinct agenda and set of requirements. Since 1999, Mesolithic archaeology has indeed changed significantly: many important discoveries have been made and there has been increased interest in the period among both archaeologists and the public. A new Mesolithic Framework was deemed necessary. A project was set up with the aims of improving understanding of the Mesolithic of England and setting out priorities for future work. This was to be carried out by undertaking widespread research and consultation in order to develop and publish a Research and Conservation Framework for the period, comprising resource assessment, agenda and strategy.