Dissecting the dirt: community archaeology

Join our Dissecting the dirt advanced archaeology club for young people aged 16 – 25!

Gain valuable transferable skills including project management and leadership by planning and supporting our Young Archaeologists Club, then get in-depth archaeological training from our community archaeologist, Alexis. These sessions are filled with exciting hands-on opportunities to gain valuable skills for the future!

Schedule:

16 September – Community archaeology 

Join Alexis for an introduction to how archaeology works in the UK from both commercial and community-led perspectives. Archaeology is a relatively recent academic subject and has seen significant developments since the 1970s. This session will explain how it fits into planning law and how it can work within community projects. We’ll also explore the site with an accompanying tour!

7 October – The Archaeological Record

How do you record an archaeological excavation? What are the systems used on site and how do they work? The Single Context Recording system was developed by the Department of Urban Archaeology in the late 1970’s, arriving in published form in 1980. This session will explain how the system represents best practice, and how it can be used to excavate a variety of archaeological sites.

11 November – Site formation

What are the processes involved in the formation of an archaeological site and how do archaeologists interpret them? Together we’ll explore what causes land build-up and how are features interpreted. This session looks at the processes which create ‘archaeology’ in the form of both positive and negative impacts.

Event details:

• Attendees should come dressed in appropriate clothing for outdoor activities.
• Although there is a café on-site, attendees may wish to bring a packed lunch.