You may think that only bearded archeology students, led by long-haired professors, wearing stripey sweaters, can do archeology. Though such people lead digs, they need volunteers to help them. At many digs, anyone, even (supervised) children, can get involved in archeology. There are many exciting opportunities, all over England, and there are always many digs running simultaneously.
York, Yorkshire’s county town, settled for over 2000 years, has the huge and exciting Dig York project. Four excavation pits yield the Viking, Roman, Medieval, and Victorian finds. The York digs are also a visitor attraction, and those interested in archeology or history will find much to see and do. Visitors can see and touch archeological discoveries and discover York’s fascinating history. York Heritage and Archeological Trust run the site. Volunteers receive training and learn useful skills.
The North Worcestershire Archeology Group runs extensive fieldwork programmes. The group has an excellent reputation for its skill and expertise in discovering and preserving industrial history, in this important region. The group welcomes volunteers, whether they are students, pensioners, or just someone with a little free time. Group members include both experienced amateur and professional archeologists, who train volunteers. You do have to join the Group, but membership fees are very reasonable.
Heeley City Farm in Sheffield, Yorkshire, takes volunteers, from eight years old upwards, for their Community Archeology and Heritage Activities programme. Volunteers may do excavating, finds processing, roundhouse construction, data entry, administration and other jobs depending on projects.
Archeoscan in the Cotswolds, organized by Gloucestershire County Council Archeology Service, is a huge dig, which has been underway since 2010. The dig has already discovered pre-historic and Roman remains. Volunteers no experience, but they are charged a small fee.
In Hastings, Sussex, a community dig, at Old St. Helen’s Church, is calling for volunteers for April 2012. St. Helen’s is probably the oldest building in Hastings, and may date from around 1066. A professional archeologist and Hastings Area Archeological Group are supervising the dig. They hope to find both Norman and Saxon finds as well as to understand Saxon and Norman church building. The dig provides volunteers with training, supervision, tools and equipment.
These are just a limited selection of current archeological digs in England. You can find more information on the current dig season and digs, all over the United Kingdom. You could start looking at The Council of British Archeology. You will also find information about on lectures, short courses, and tours. There is much archeological information on-line and many digs have their own web sites.
There are always many archeological digs, in England, and it would be impossible to list them all. There are many places, where you can find information on current digs, archeological fieldwork courses and opportunities for everyone, including children, to enjoy archeology.
The council for British Archeology’s website has many resources and information for anyone interested in Archeology. Children might like to join the Young Archeologists Club, which has local branches throughout the United Kingdom. Joining your local Archeological society would be a good way to further your interest. There are various archeology magazines online, which also contain dig and volunteer information.
There is a wealth of information at The British Archeological Council website. Some websites list current English archeological sites with information for volunteers, students and others. Some archeology blogs have both general and dig information. The BBC archeology website has wonderful information and resources. There are also archeological magazines, which contain dig information. There are also various other on line resources.
Your local archeology society will know about archeological digs in your immediate area, and the local public library, or radio station may know which digs require volunteers. The Archeology departments of Universities will have information on their websites about local digs.
England always has many on-going digs and archeology is for everyone. There are very many ways that you can further your interest and enjoy your own thrilling journey into history.
