NON-EXCAVATION VOLUNTEER
We welcome all volunteers regardless of background!
At SHARP we are keen to allow more people to take part in all aspects of archaeology, of which digging is only a small part of the larger process. We hope this will open up opportunities for volunteers regardless of physical abilities.
We are launching our non-excavation volunteer option, where activities can be tailored to your interests or requirements. Those who book for a week will have the option of taking part in any of the below activities, or indeed a mixture of them:
- Finds Processing - Cleaning and processing finds from our various excavations. Training will be provided on how to count, weigh, and record bulk finds. There may be opportunities to learn more about archaeological illustrations, or if there are members of the small finds team available the opportunity to photograph, record, and research artefacts.
- Environmental Science - At SHARP we are incredibly proud of our in-house environmental team and facilities, and with the excavation of our malting site the work in this department is never dull. You will have the opportunity to wet-sieve samples and then sort the samples further and record what you find. There may also be opportunities for further research on the many small grains and finds found during this process.
- Archiving - SHARP has been running for nearly 30 years and is currently working on a large scale archiving project to record, assess, and preserve our extensive archive. The work for this project will be varied and could include everything from data entry, to sorting through old bulk finds boxes, scanning old documentation, or shifting through records.
You do not need to have completed the BERT course, or have prior experience, to be a post-ex/non-excavation volunteer.
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.