Why do you think Community Archaeology is important? Community archaeology is important as it brings together a wide variety of people and allows them to experience and understand history in a way that a book or a television programme could never do. With regards to the Dig Greater Manchester Project, community archaeology has helped to […]

How did you become passionate about archaeology? I grew up in Norway, and going to see the Viking ships in Oslo when I was very young made a great impression on me. Although I had been really interested in history it was only when I moved to the UK at the age of 18 that […]

Why are you interested in osteology? I remember the first time I handled an animal skull in a science class at secondary school. All the other kids thought it was disgusting, but I was fascinated by it. Later when I went to university I got interested in funerary archaeology, and my interest in osteology grew […]

Why did you decide to start DigVentures? Just before I left Current Archaeology, we did a special issue (CA250) about the cuts, and followed this up with a fairly intense panel discussion session at CA Live. It was clear that things were going to change quickly for archaeologists, and that this was quite a serious […]

(Bamburgh Research Project)     1) What qualities do you look for in a digger? A genuine interest in, and enthusiasm to learn about archaeology, is the quality we most value. Anything else can be taught if someone wants to learn. Of course being intelligent and good with your hands is also a bonus.   […]

(Tetbury – Archeoscan)     1) What qualities do you look for in a digger? I believe the best quality is enthusiasm closely followed by a willingness to learn. An interest in history/archaeology is an advantage as is an inquisitive mind.  A sense of humour may come in handy for those days when it is […]

(Green, Isle of Eday, Orkney)   1) What qualities do you look for in a digger? Enthusiasm, willingness to muck in with all activities &  a good team player. A passion for archaeology & an interest either in the site itself or the period.  As we all live and work together 24/7 it is important […]

(Saveock Water Archaeology)     1) What qualities do you look for in a digger? The most important quality we look for is enthusiasm and a love of all things in the past.   2) What items of equipment would you say are essential for a novice to bring along themselves? At Saveock we provide […]

(Rampart Scotland, Balbithan Landscape Project) 1) What qualities do you look for in a digger? The most important quality is that they want to be there, they are keen to explore the past, to be the first to see or touch something in hundreds or thousands of years. However, they should be physically fit and […]

(Kent Archaeological Field School)   1) What qualities do you look for in a digger? Care and diligence for detail.   They should be aware of why they are digging, and what it is they are digging too, and be prepared to record everything as they progress.   2) What items of equipment would you […]