Dig Guide - 2008
The Excavation
This excavation is run by a friendly and enthusiastic team of experienced archaeologists and volunteer diggers. After more than 12 years on this site, a substantial part of the 3rd-4th century villa has been excavated and we have completed an extensive geophysical survey of the surrounding landscape.
This year excavation on the north side of the villa continues. This includes a corridor, part of the stoke room, another room and possible courtyard, and an enclosure ditch. A new area of terracotta tessellated floor was discovered just at the end of last year's digging and we are looking forward to finding the extent of this new feature.
There are usually about 10-15 volunteers on site, with plenty to interest both new and experienced diggers. Basic training is provided, the site is a useful introduction to digging; all volunteers are encouraged to participate in a variety of on site activities including site recording and finds processing.
The excavation is open every Sunday until the end of October. We arrive to set up at 10.30am and finish at 4.30 pm with a break for lunch at 1pm, please bring a packed lunch. Diggers can come for a half day.
Facilities and equipment
We can provide trowels and basic equipment but many Diggers will prefer to bring or eventually to purchase their own. SOAG can supply WHS trowels at a bargain price of £15.
Sensible clothing and footwear should be worn. These include ‘stout’ shoes - no open toed sandals; a waterproof jacket for the odd shower; and for hot weather a hat, plenty of sun cream and drinking water. There is shelter on site if the weather is wet and some shade under a gazebo. Currently there are no WCs on site; the nearest facilities are at Goring Station, less than a five minute drive away. Anti tetanus immunisation is advisable for any form of digging when contact is made with the soil.
How to join SOAG
All regular volunteers are required to join SOAG and currently there is no extra fee for digging at the villa. Details of membership fees and how to join SOAG can be found on the membership page, or email the membership secretary at memb@soagarch.org.uk for a membership form. Membership includes regular up-dates and the opportunity to participate in other SOAG fieldwork projects, visits and lectures.
How to book a place on the excavation
If you would like to join the digging team or have any questions please contact Hazel Williams, Project Co-Director at villa@soagarch.org.uk. Volunteers of all ages and experience are welcome but those under 18 years must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. It is important to let us know when you are available, our present limit is 20 diggers and we have had many enquiries this year. For non-members digging for just a day, we charge a fee of only £3 per head for adults towards equipment and insurance.