Keen Amateur Archaeologists Wanted to Dig for History

Budding archaeologists are being encouraged to take part in a dig which professionals hope will uncover evidence of North Devon’s Roman and Iron Age past.

Archaeologists from the University of Exeter community archaeology group XArch and Brayford Community Archaeology Group are inviting volunteers to get involved in the major excavation taking place at Welcombe Farm in Brayford, North Devon, this spring.

The team will run a large excavation to investigate two of the outer ditches of a possible Iron Age or Roman hillside enclosure.

They hope the dig will shed new light on the history of North Devon’s iron industry, which goes back to Roman times.

Although previous research has shown that the area had a long history of iron production, little is known about what the communities were like.

XArch project manager Penny Cunningham from the University of Exeter said: "We’re very pleased to be working with Brayford Community Archaeology Group to build on the great research they’ve already done on the history of North Devon.

"XArch is all about getting people involved in archaeology so, even if you’ve never picked up a spade before, we hope you’ll be inspired to come and join us to uncover your community’s past."

Jim Knights of Brayford Community Archaeology Group said: "As a non-academic with an interest in our heritage, I have been working with members of the community for the past few years to uncover the history of the iron industry in Brayford."

The university will be showing the group and volunteers how to use the cutting-edge equipment now available to archaeologists and will be training them on professional methods of excavating and recording finds.

Several local schools are expected to take part.

The dig will take place from April 21 to 26. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Penny Cunningham on 01392 263851.

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