10,000 Holes

The Time Team is appealing for archaeological facilitators to help in 'Britain's biggest ever archaeological evaluation.' Channel 4 is encouraging members of the public to dig test pits in back gardens, private land and public spaces.

The aim is to add to knowledge about the archaeological resource, to involve people in local archaeology and to introduce them to how practical archaeology is conducted correctly, the programme makers say. The test pits will be 0.60m deep by a metre square, and the facilitators will be needed to give advice about any archaeological deposits or artefacts that are discovered.

However, some archaeologists have expressed reservations about the programme. Questions have been raised about health and safety, damage to archaeology, and the impression that archaeology is an amateur pursuit rather than a profession. The project will take place on 28 and 29 June.

http://www.channel4.com/history/timeteam/