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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.
All in the beautiful and peaceful Radnorshire countryside!
Over two weeks in July 2026, we will continue the excavation of a remote earthwork house platform within the home grange of Abbey Cwmhir, the famous medieval abbey. Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust invites you to work alongside our team of dedicated volunteers, led by Trysor, our professional archaeologists.
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. For our findings so far, please look here.
There are two opportunities to get involved, no previous experience necessary:
Trainee Weeks
Experience Days
Trainee weeks – Train and learn the basic skills of excavation to feel confident on-site. Two weeks available to book – 20th-24th July and 27th-31st July @ £450/week.
Book here for Trainee week 20-24th July
Book here for Trainee week 27-31st July
As an Excavation Trainee 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 each week, 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.
Monday 20th July – Only two places available. Book here for Monday 20th July 2026@ £50/day
Tuesday 21st July – Only two places available. Book here for Tuesday 21st July 2026@ £50/day
Wednesday 22nd Jul – Only two places available. Book here for Wednesday 22nd July @ £50/day
Thursday 23rd Jul – Only two places available. Book here for Thursday 23rd July @ £50/day
Friday 24th Jul – Only two places available. Book here for Friday 24th July @ £50/day
Saturday 18th July FULLY BOOKED WAITING LIST AVAILABLE. Book here for Saturday 18th July 2026 @ £50/day (Fully booked but follow link to be added to waiting list)
Sunday 19th July FULLY BOOKED WAITING LIST AVAILABLE. Book here for Sunday 19th July 2026 @ £50/day (Fully booked but follow link to be added to waiting list)
For Experience Days and Trainee Weeks:
The dig will take place between 10.00 – 4.00 on each day.
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
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