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. 

Week 1: 12/07/26 - 17/07/26 inclusive. FULL

Week 2: 19/07/26 - 24/07/26 inclusive. FULL

Week 3: 26/07/26 - 31/07/26 inclusive. FULL

Week 4: 02/08/26 - 07/08/26 inclusive. FULL

6 days

Course rate for 6 days of learning & excavation with lunch, use of facilities, and Tuesday evening lecture admission included - £320

 

Onsite camping space and use of shower facilities for a week - £50

We ask that all those camping to arrive on the Saturday afternoon before the start of their booked week, and they can leave at any time the following Saturday, or on the Friday afternoon/evening after work if this works better for them.

 

All onsite meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and all evening entertainment for a week - £60

 

The course only rate includes lunch onsite, drinks, and admission to our Tuesday night lecture (if you wish to attend), but does not include accommodation or breakfast/evening meals. If you wish to camp onsite during your stay, and/or eat breakfast and dinner onsite, please select these options when making your booking.

SHARP offers financial support for excavation and our courses through the John Hensby Memorial Bursary. For more information and to apply, please visit The John Hensby Fund.

For more information on the BERT course, including what will be covered, a timetable, and an equipment list, see the information pack which can be found with all our course/volunteer specific documents at the bottom of our Season Bookings page.

At SHARP we have always tried to cater for as many dietary needs as possible. However the limitations of cooking in a container cabin in a field, and the increasing numbers and types of allergies, means that while we do try, we can't always cater for all needs. Particularly for those people with severe and/or life-threatening allergies.

 

We currently cater for Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free and Dairy Free diets for those having lunch with us or camping on site.

 

For allergies other than these please contact SHARP in advance of making your booking to find out whether we can cater for your situation.

We endeavour to make the project as inclusive as possible for people with a variety of medical conditions. We also have a good history of working with people with learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, Asperger's, and Dyspraxia. We ask as part of the booking process that you please make us aware of any medical conditions and how they impact you so that we can better accommodate you.

 

If you have medical needs that require charging of medical devices, please get in touch before making a booking. The camp site is off the grid, with power provided by a solar array. This works well in most situations, however, in poor weather we may not be able to guarantee you power to charge large devices at all times.