Are you looking to gain archaeological excavation experience? Well, now you can….
Whether you are looking to gain some practical experience in archaeological excavation for career, educational or personal interest, we have an ideal opportunity for you to get involved in a fascinating, ongoing excavation.
Abbey Cwmhir Heritage Trust welcomes you to work alongside our team of dedicated volunteers, led by Trysor, our professional archaeologists. Over two weeks in July 2026, we will continue the excavation of a house platform within the home grange of Abbey Cwmhir, the famous medieval abbey.
This is our fourth year digging a site which offers a rare and important opportunity to study the origins of a long abandoned upland settlement, which we think may have origins in monastic times.
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.
Our dig has been designed to lead a small team of trainees through the excavation process in a way that is not always possible on larger excavations. 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.
All in the beautiful and peaceful Radnorshire countryside!
Opportunities to get involved:
Trainee weeks – Train in a small group and learn the basics – 20th-24th July and 27th-31st July
Book an Excavation Trainee Week to spend 5 days working closely with professional archaeologists on site. For £450 you will receive a week’s training in excavation and recording techniques. 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 and mentored by a professional archaeologist throughout. You will need to find your own accommodation and food is not provided although tea/coffee will be during the day(s).
It will be possible to purchase the BAJR (British Archaeological Jobs and Resources) archaeological skills passport for this event. It will act 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.
A detailed participants handbook will be provided in advance of the week.
Book here for Trainee week 20-24th July
Book here for Trainee week 27-31st July
Experience Days – MORE DAYS ADDED AS WE WERE SOLD OUT – get a taste of what excavation is about – Tuesday 21st July to Friday 24th July
Each day will be stand alone so attendees can book for 1 or both days. On each day attendees will be able to experience the full variety of activities.
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.
- Tuesday 21st July – Only two places available. Book HERE for Tuesday 21st July 2026@ £50/day
- Wednesday 22nd July – Only two places available. Book HERE for Wednesday 22nd July @ £50/day
- Thursday 23rd July – Only two places available. Book HERE for Thursday 23rd July @ £50/day
- Friday 24th July – Only two places available. Book HERE for Friday 24th July @ £50/day
- Saturday 18th July FULLY BOOKED WAITING LIST AVAILABLE. Book here for Saturday
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
