In this webinar, Helen Wass will explore: Archaeology & HS2: Emerging science, technology or techniques, challenging or novel projects, or integration with other disciplines.  

Before building the bridges, tunnels, tracks and stations for HS2, an unprecedented amount of archaeological work will take place – the largest ever programme of investigation in the UK.  

This webinar will outline the opportunities and challenges that HS2 offers in terms of knowledge creation, engagement and legacy. With site works now underway there will be recent discoveries to share.

Our Speaker:

Helen Wass is Head of Heritage at HS2. Growing up in Northumbria, visiting Hadrian’s wall was a regular acitvity and it became the catalyst for her curiosity into the people of the past. She went on to volunteer at the excavations of the Roman fort Arbeia and began to really enjoy field archaeology. Helen studied Archaeology at the Universities of Reading and Oxford and following that worked in a field unit and consultancy, before joining High Speed 1 for nine years. There she managed the delivery of the archaeological site and post excavation works. This proved the perfect platform for her current role. At High Speed 2, she works on the client side with an over-arching strategic remit to set the project’s strategy and technical standards for the historic environment. This is supported by many consultants, academics and contractors, together with Historic England and local authority specialists. Collaboration and communication are key elements of her role and she is very passionate about her work.