My first ever experience with excavation was with Newcastle University in 2016. Though I had fun I only spent two days on site and this was nowhere near enough experience to prepare me for the Vindolanda Excavations that I volunteered at in 2018. This time around, in Malton, I feel a little more prepared but I still remember how nerve-wracking starting an excavation for the first time can feel. Most people have never done anything like this before, even if you think you understand what you’re going to be doing nothing can really prepare you for life in the trench. It’ll be physically demanding, you’ll get sunburnt and rained on, you’ll spend hours cleaning the same rock but you’ll have an absolutely amazing time.

I made a video talking about all the things that I learned when I went on a dig for real. If you’re going to be starting an excavation soon and you’re not sure what to expect then this is a good place to start!

Hope you enjoy and I’ll see you on the weekend for a site update!

~Amy