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.
Winter Programme 2009
The BHAS programme of walks, finds processing and site visits has provided opportunities for all members to become involved with a variety of activities both educational and social. Finds processing has proved extremely popular. Finds from the excavations at Ringmer, Arlington and the Peacehaven barrow have all been examined and recorded. These meetings are ideal for hands on experience and give a good insight into the types of artefacts that can be found in both excavation and field walking.
Sites visits this winter have included Portchester Castle, the magnificent Roman and later medieval fortification, the Iron Age hillfort at Harting Beacon and the extremely large Wiltshire scale Bronze Age barrows at the Devils's Jumps. The winter walks proved popular with walks around Old Brighton, St Mary Farm and Millbank Wood, Amberley, North Stoke and Burpham.
The Society visited the Babylon Exhibition at the British Museum and this was well supported, the trip was organised by our past President Jane Russell.
Members of the BHAS Field Unit conducted some field walking of a field to the north of Roedean School in February and early March. The field produced some Roman pottery, including Samian ware, and fire-cracked flint, but very little else. A resistivity survey in early March examined lands close to Ovingdean village. The data is currently being processed.
The winter programme will continue until the end of March with more finds processing at the Patcham Community Centre on Saturday 7th March and a visit to the Butser Iron age farm on Saturday 21st March. An additional walk is being planned for Saturday 14th March to Beddingham Hill, and Black Patch Hill, sites of Bronze Age settlements and Roman villas.
Excavation Season 2009
The new season of BHAS excavations will begin on Saturday 4th April at Rocky Clump, Stanmer and once permits have been granted will transfer to the excavation site at Ovingdean. No experience is necessary as all training will be given. The society welcomes all new members. You must have a current tetanus and be a paid up member of the Society, (for insurance cover ), to participate in any of our activities. A number of resistivity surveys are also being planned, and there will always be the unexpected 'rescue ' operation no doubt.
Rocky Clump- A Roman Farmstead and possible 'Shrine' dated from the first century B.C. to the early 4th Century A.D. Structures, ditches, pits and post holes. The burials found have included human, dog and a complete cow.
Hog Croft Field, Ovingdean- A 13th century medieval complex, comprising a well constructed flint and stone built house, a barn, a well and other outbuildings.
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.
