Excavation at Cwmffwrn, near Abbey Cwmhir, Powys

Have you always wanted to have a go at being an Archaeologist or looking for an opportunity to get basic excavation skills? Well, we have opportunities for you…. Whether you are looking to gain some practical experience in archaeological excavation to start (or re-start) a career, to support studying archaeology at university or just have an interest and curiosity about excavation and want a hands-on experience, we have an ideal opportunity for you to get involved in a fascinating, ongoing excavation.

This is our fourth year digging a site which offers the rare opportunity to study the origins of a long abandoned upland settlement, which we think may have origins in monastic times. Our upland landscape has many examples of house platforms of the type we are investigating but few have been fully excavated. You will therefore have the chance to be involved in important and evolving research into the development of rural settlement in mid Wales.

Last year new and exciting features began to emerge and we can’t wait to explore them to hopefully finally understand when Cwmffwrn was first built.

In July 2026, we will continue the excavation of a remote earthwork house platform within the home grange of medieval Abbey CwmhirAbbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust invites you to work alongside our team of dedicated volunteers, led by Trysor, our professional archaeologists.

There are two opportunities to get involved, no previous experience necessary:

Trainee Week - 20th-24th July @ £450/week - basic excavation skills to feel confident on-site

Experience Days - Places left for Tuesday 21st July, Wednesday 22nd July or Thursday 23rd July @ £50/day

On the Trainee week you will work closely with the professional archaeologists on-site. You will receive a weeks training in excavation and recording techniques to enable you to feel confident on-site and be ready to move on to next steps. Only 6 trainee slots are available , therefore you are guaranteed to be at the heart of activity on site and to be guided, trained and mentored by a professional archaeologist throughout. Our excavation is designed to lead a small number of trainees through the excavation process in a way that is not always possible on large excavations.

Suitable for people exploring whether archaeology is a career for them, refresher for those who excavated a long time ago and want to renew skills, or people who want to volunteer on excavations and feel more confident.

You will need to find your own accommodation and food is not provided although tea/coffee will be during the day(s).

BAJR (British Archaeological Jobs and Resources) archaeological skills passport is supported for this event. It acts as a record of practical training during this week and is recognised as a stepping stone into professional archaeology. More information about this will be given to participants.

Experience Days – get a taste of what excavation is about.  Each day is stand-alone and attendees can book for 1 or more days. On each day attendees will be able to experience a taste of what an excavation is about with plenty of excavation time @ £50/day

 Suitable for those who have always wanted to have a go, or would enjoy a day out in the countryside learning something new, or have enjoyed helping on an excavation in the past and would like to spend a day or two on-site.

The dig will take place between 10.00 – 4.00 on each day.  You will need your own transport to get to the excavation.

Tea/coffee will be provided but participants should bring their own packed lunch.

A detailed participants handbook will be provided in advance of the day.

Please note that young people (under-18s) and vulnerable adults will need to be accompanied.

If you wish know more, then please contact Jackie at cwmhirabbey@gmail.com