Volunteers are invited to join the BHAS Field Unit with or without experience, training will be given for those lacking in archaeological techniques.
** NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY **
** ALL TRAINING WILL BE GIVEN **
** NO TOOLS ARE REQUIRED **
The Brighton and Hove Archaeological Society Field Unit is a group of people dedicated to the research and investigation of archaeological sites around the Brighton and Hove area and along the South Downs.
The unit conduct research programmes of surveying, field walking and geophysical studies looking for new sites. Limited excavations of sites, at week-ends only, allow participation in all aspects of archaeological investigation.
The training in the techniques undertaken in the correct and accurate recording of archaeological sites is part of the educational programme promoted by the Society. Finds processing, including washing, marking and the cataloguing of finds are enhanced by educational day schools in the identification of archaeological artifacts.
THE NEW SEASON 2008
A full programme of archaeological activities is planned for the new season with excavations being conducted at various locations throughout Sussex. New members are always welcome and training will be given to anyone interested in joining a very dynamic team. You can be assured of a very welcome on BHAS projects. The proposed programme consists of both excavation and research with the approximate timetable given below:-
Rocky Clump-Friday 21st March onwards throughout the year-A Romano-British rural settlement. The site has so revealed a large building, or structure, with a possible associated stockade. Other features found so far include pits, ditches and post holes, as well as fence lines. Finds have included coins, brooches, bronze items, iron items, pottery, shell and bone. Among the bone finds have been the articulated skeletons of a number of Roman dogs and a complete Roman cow. New sections are being opened in four areas of investigation.
Peacehaven April 19th for 4 weeks-A possible Bronze Age barrow, cut into by Second World War slit trenches-The excavation is the subject of a project by Sue Birks, a student form Sussex University. Last season investigated the Second World War features, this season the excavations will look at the prehistoric layers. The excavation is required as cliff erosion means that the burial mound may soon be lost over the cliff.
Ovingdean May 24th for 6 weeks-An investigation into a possible 'detached' medieval kitchen. The possible building forms part of a 13th century medieval manorial complex. There are also plans to investigate the south west section of the known medieval manor house uncovered in previous seasons. This excavations are part of another student project organised by Carol White at Sussex University.
Arlington June 14th-A major Roman site which may be a settlement located either side of a Roman road that runs across the field. This will be the main excavation during the summer period.
Varley Halls 19th July- A small excavation investigating possible Bronze Age lynchets or field boundaries, seeking environmental evidence from this prehistoric period. The team will be supported by Mike Allen who previously worked for Wessex Archaeology. The area is of particular interest being located between the Bronze Age sites of Downsview and Varley Halls excavated by Archaeology South East just before and after the construction of the Brighton bypass. This excavation is another student project and will be organised by Lisa Fisher from Sussex University.
Research projects consisting of resistivity surveying and possible field walking, if and when fields are available, will take place throughout the year. Areas to be studied include Piddingworth Manor, Beacon Hill, Rottingdean, Woodingdean, Ovingdean, Staplefield and Rocky Clump, Stanmer.
If you are interested in joining any of these projects please contact John Funnell on 0870 879 3359 (eves after 7-00pm) or email from our Contact Us Page.
You must be a member of the Society to participate, and be covered by the Society insurance. Membership is only £12. You must also have a current tetanus. Tools and equipment will be supplied.
