BASIC EXCAVATION & RECORDING TECHNIQUES

Our Basic Excavation & Recording Techniques (BERT) courses aims to give a comprehensive grounding in the principles and techniques involved in field archaeology. The course is primarily aimed at those who have never dug before, whether they are ‘A’ level students, undergraduates, or those of any age who just have a fascination with the past. It can also be used by those who may feel that they wish to refresh their skills before venturing back on trench again.

 

The course covers a wide range of subjects involved in the archaeological process; from the aims of archaeology and the terminology used on site through to the specifics of tool and equipment use, excavation, finds and environmental processing and the creation of the drawn, written and photographic record.

 

The course also comprises of a series of short informal on-site seminars in which everyone is encouraged to actively participate. And of course there will be digging! Much of the course is practical, getting real hands on experience working with the archaeology. From day one you will be working on our main excavation trench, a complex of Anglo-Saxon malting houses, where you will applying and honing your excavation and recording skills.

 

Please note: persons aged 15 are welcome to attend with a parent or guardian accompanying. Ages 16 and 17 may attend unaccompanied with parental or guardian permission.