This long-term, multi-period, multi-disciplinary research project is one of the largest independent archaeological projects in Britain. Its primary objective is to work with the local community to investigate the entire range of human settlement and land use in the Norfolk parish of Sedgeford.
Although only a relatively small village, Sedgeford has an incredibly rich heritage spanning over 4,000 years, with evidence of Late Neolithic, Iron Age and Roman occupation to name a few.
Excavations run in July and August, during which anyone can visit the dig or attend the archaeological lectures on offer. Those with little or no experience can participate in week long courses specifically dedicated to teaching everything you need to know about archaeological excavation and recording techniques. Volunteers with a minimum of three weeks’ experience are also welcome. Members are encouraged to use the extensive archive of material culture for their own academic research.
SHARP opens its door to all ages but those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Charges are only made for taught courses, meals and use of the campsite, with reduced rates for students and unwaged participants.
A PLACE TO GO AND GO AGAIN
A fantastic dig for first-timers since it has a well-structured training element.
However, the site has been under excavation for years. It is therefore full of old-timers. Some newcomers can thus find the site rather cliquey.
Facilities:
Excellent-value food. Camping for all – so you need to bring your own tent. Showers and loos 15 mins from the site.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Best for students
KEEP RETURNING TO IT!!
The courses are well taught and you learn much from them. You will want to keep going back!!!
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? It is very good for students and first timers as i was, and had a brilliant time and learned a lot. You become fully involved with the excavating and recording of the site whatever your level of experience. Everyone was very friendly and there are also activities after digging hours to socialise.
GREAT HUMAN REMAINS EXPERIENCE !
I’ve been returning to this site for years – from Canada ! I came as a beginner archaeologist and got hooked. It’s an excellent intro for those just starting out, but offers the opprtunity to grow with a long-term project and develop new areas of interest. It’s especially good for those wanting hands -on experience with human remains.
Brilliant opportunity for arky students to gain experience – including supervisory experience.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Hey ! The shower and toilet facilities are really only 7 minutes from the campsite.
BRILLIANT PLACE.
A very good training dig indeed; very friendly (and not clique-y, unless one regards old friends re-meeting as clique-y). Training excellent, with brilliant human remains opportunities not normally available to non-professionals.
In fact, that’s what makes Sedgeford so good: those without any/with little experience are well-taught and their opinions valued. No ‘hogging the best bits’ by the professionals/experienced diggers on this site (as has happened on other sites I have dug). If you find it, you dig it (with appropriate supervision, of course).
There’s always a wide range of ages on site, from 17 to 70 (ish). And yes, the toilets etc are even less than 7 minutes away (depends on where you camp and how fast you walk…takes me about 3 usually).
The large number of returnees underlines what a good experience Sedgeford is for the vast majority of those who attend.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Remember to take enough old clothes to cope with wet/cold/boiling hot weather. And a tent/sleeping bag good enough to cope with the UK summer!
ITS FAB!
I’ve never met so many clever, interesting and yet still open-minded people of all ages anywhere else in society! Its a fantastic site archaeologically speaking and because you have to interpret, draw and log what you personally dig your input is there in the records forever which feels lovely (and scary!). I will always be proud to have been at Sedgeford even though i only manage a week every now and then.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Do the B.E.R.T course, even if you are already on a degree course its still a very good and well taught comprehensive intro (or re-cap) of vital skills and info, and its a good way of meeting people….oh and get yourself onto a pub quiz team, another good way to feel you belong.
AN EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE
I have been at the site for the past four seasons and despite my age (67) have enjoyed my time very much.
Sedgeford I feel is unique in that if you come across a skeleton then you will excavate it (under supervision of course).
The courses are the envy of many other sites and are very well run. Long may it continue.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Carry on with the good work.
GREAT – LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR
I have been going do three seasons, having started with the BERT course. Only able to go for one week this season – hopeI will be able to go for longer next year.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? Great for first timers – do the BERT course to start and then volunteer as much as possible.
FANTASTIC SITE, GOOD TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES, GOOD
Site is well run, have been attending when i can since 2005, started with the BERT course. The facilities are good, well run site, plenty of chance to get envolved.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? The BERT Course is invaluable in providing a good foundation in excavation and survey, well worth doing it.
AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY
New to S.H.A.R.P., I was made to feel very welcome. The course was a very well taught, hands on experience. Sharing a supper table with people of similar interest and enthusiasm was stimulating. Although to some the site is remote (not to me as I live near to it)the most is made of the facilities within the local community. I definitely would like to go back next year and do the BERT course and dig as a volunteer.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Would you recommend it? Yes
What is your top bit of advice? The introductory course on “Archaeology of human remains” was excellent.