Surveys, Sampling & Testing

Get expert support for:

  • Desk studies.
  • Walkover surveys.
  • Soil sampling and water sampling.
  • Remediation strategies.
  • Plate load testing.
  • CBR testing.
  • Lightweight deflectometer testing.
  • Site-specific remediation.

Contact our expert team today to discuss your project requirements.

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Soil strength and stratification
Desk Studies
A desk study is often the first step. It brings together historical records, environmental data, geological information and planning context to identify likely ground conditions and potential risks.
Walkover Surveys
A walkover survey adds observation to desk-based research, helping identify visible signs of contamination, access issues, drainage constraints and site features that affect development.
Soil Survey and Sampling
Soil survey work helps establish the nature and condition of the ground. Sampling can support geotechnical assessment, contamination screening and targeted remediation planning.
Water Sampling
Water sampling supports contamination assessment and environmental risk evaluation, especially where groundwater or surface water may be affected by historic land use or site development activities.
Plate Load Testing
Plate load testing helps assess bearing capacity and settlement behaviour, supporting foundation and pavement design decisions.
California bearing ratio (CBR) testing
California bearing ratio (CBR) testing is used to evaluate subgrade strength and inform road, pavement and access design.
Lightweight Deflectometer Testing
Lightweight deflectometer testing provides quick in-situ stiffness measurements and is useful for assessing compaction and near-surface support conditions.
Site-Specific Remediation
Not every site needs the same approach. Site-specific remediation is designed around your ground conditions, target use and regulatory requirements so the solution is proportionate and practical.

Full range of surveys, sampling and testing for all site investigations across the UK

We operate from offices in Norwich, Suffolk, London, and Rutland, with field teams covering England, Scotland, and Wales. Whether your site is in East Anglia, the South East, the Midlands, or further afield, we have the capacity to deliver efficiently and on time.

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Why choose A F Howland Associates?

There are many geoenvironmental firms to choose from. Here’s what makes clients keep coming back to us.

  • The right test for your site: Not every site is the same. Our experienced team will advise on the correct methodology for your site conditions, development type, and regulatory requirements from the outset, so you don’t waste time or money on the wrong approach.
  • Reports accepted by planning and building control: Our reports are produced to the standard required by local planning authorities and building control bodies across the UK. We understand what assessors and inspectors need to see, and we write our reports accordingly to reduce the risk of queries, revision requests, or rejection.
  • Fast mobilisation across the UK: With offices in Norwich, Suffolk, London, and Rutland, and field teams covering the full UK, we can mobilise quickly to keep your project on programme. We understand the importance of reliable, accurate and prompt testing, and we work to your timeline.
  • Part of a wider ground investigation capability: Because we are a full-service ground investigation contractor, we can combine our other services, such as trial pitting, borehole drilling, geotechnical testing, or geoenvironmental sampling, in a single site visit to save you time and costs compared to commissioning multiple contractors.

Need a desk study, site investigation or remediation plan?

Talk to our expert engineers about your project and get the right investigation in place from the start. Whether you need a walkover survey, soil and water sampling, or testing such as CBR, plate load or lightweight deflectometer, the team can help shape a proportionate approach.

Contact us today to discuss your project requirements. Let A F Howland Associates provide the dependable data and expert guidance you need for a successful project.

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Why choose A F Howland Associates?

Client Testimonials

See what our clients think about our expert services

"Everything was perfect and delivered on time – excellent work. We've been working with Howlands for our ground investigations for a long time, and they excel in communication, providing RAMS well ahead of start dates, and being highly accommodating to our needs. All information is issued in advance, ensuring a smooth and seamless process on-site. No concerns at all – everything was spot on.”
Anglian Water
"We were fully satisfied with the work carried out and the overall experience of working with A F Howland throughout the project. We would absolutely use their services again and recommend them to others without hesitation. Their team was very attentive, acknowledging that their activities might cause some mess, but they went above and beyond to minimise the impact.”
NCS Group
"The site was left in excellent condition – neat, tidy, and fully reinstated – you wouldn’t even know any surveys or works had taken place. Despite our tight timeframe, all expectations were met as quoted and advised. We would definitely use their services again and highly recommend them to others. A F Howland is a very professional and honest company with outstanding staff. Toby Skinner and his team were exceptional, true professionals and a credit to your company.”
SRS Aromatics Ltd
“This project involved ground investigation (GI) within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located on a low-lying coastal floodplain. A F Howland associates demonstrated exceptional capability and efficiency across all aspects of the project, including contract management, fieldwork, and collaboration with landowners and ecologists.”
Perfect Circle

Project in mind?
Contact our team.

Call us to speak directly with a member of our team. Our office hours are:
Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

For general enquiries please complete the contact form.

You can also follow us on social media. See links on our website.
  • Over 40 years of experience
  • Reliable expertise
  • Tailored services
  • Fast, accurate results

Contact our team

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Before You Go

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