How to Join
We are happy to welcome volunteers with all levels of experience and ability, please do get involved! There is always plenty of work for volunteers, both in the field for those keen to dig and in finds processing. We sometimes have environmental processing work available for volunteers who want to try their hand at floatation or residue sorting. There are also limited places available on the field training school for those who wish to learn new skills providing the same training as is given to the Canterbury Christ Church students for their undergraduate degree course.
To join us for the next excavation season, complete the application form (blue button) and confirm that you have read the Health and Safety guidlines (red button). Email the form to join@culverproject.co.uk
We do charge a modest fee for participation; this goes towards the running cost of the excavation and the specialist research essential to reach publication. Details of fees and payment are listed below and are on the application form.
Your volunteer place and permission to join will be confirmed on receipt of your dig fee.
Whilst we try to encourage younger volunteers, anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; 16 & 17-year-olds can volunteer to excavate providing a parent/guardian signs a consent form. We regret that it is not practical for under-10s to work on the site due to Health & Safety guidance.
Volunteer application form Health & Safety on Site
PRESS BUTTON PRESS BUTTON
2024 Summer Excavation: end of May to early July (dates to be confirmed)
Monday to Friday 9.30-5.30
Four week Training Course: end of May into June (dates t.b.c.)
If you have any other questions please contact - information@culverproject.co.uk
Current price lists can be found below, along with a description of the facilities available on-site and a list of what you will need to bring with you.
participation costs
Volunteer (Excavating)
£40 for up to 5 days
£60 for up to 10 days
£120 for whole season
Finds only at 50% dig fee
Volunteer with Camping
£60 per week
includes dig fees
and use of showers,
toilets, rest room
Well fitted kitchen
and laundry
Undergrad level Field School Training with Camping
£750 for comprehensive
4 week training course
End of May-June
(dates to be confirmed)
See details below
Volunteering and Training Course runs Monday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm
Due to unprecedented rising costs we have reluctantly had to raise our fees for the 2024 season
Facilities
Culver Project volunteers, students and campers have access to a purpose built facilities block a short walk of the campsite, the excavation site and the finds processing unit/lecture hall.
Facilities include:
Full working kitchen with;
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Oven/hob/microwaves
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Fridge/freezers
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Toasters
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Kettles
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Dishwashers
Bathroom facilities with;
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Hot water
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Showers
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Flushing toilets
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Hand-washing facilities
Common area with;
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Indoor seating
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Tables
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Electricity supply
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Archaeological library
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There is also the use of a washing machine and tumble dryer
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Limited parking is available
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Camping is in a designated field at Bridge Farm
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There is NO WIFI at the site
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Press button for data sheet on Public Transport
What to Bring
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4" WHS trowel
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Sturdy footwear
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Water bottle
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Hat
All volunteers and students must have a current tetanus vaccination (unless exempt) and should have read our Risk Assessment and Control Plan documents, see below:
If you are planning to camp, you are required to bring your own equipment. Meals are not provided, though there is full self-catering facilities and there are pubs within longer walking distance selling hot food.
Campers are advised to be prepared for all weather conditions- the nights can be fairly cold, even in June/July. Sleeping mats are recommended and ear plugs can be beneficial for light sleepers. Don't forget to bring a torch, you will be in the country!
It is recommended that all volunteers read our site manual, To CAP it all, (see below) and will be required to read Section 3 on Health and Safety on Site before being allowed on the excavation.
Risk Assessment
Risk control plan
Safety on site
To CAP it ALL
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Waterproof clothing
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Sunscreen
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Lunch/snacks (self-catering)
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Gardening/work gloves
Field school
The CAP field school is predominantly run for the first and second year undergraduate archaeology students of Canterbury Christchurch University. However, there are a limited number of places available for volunteers and students from other institutions who wish to improve their excavation skills, learn about different fieldwork techniques, or be trained in how to use the range of different tools and equipment often used on archaeological sites.
The fieldwork training is equivalent to that received by undergraduate students completing degree-level courses at university and is provided by a range of different specialists. The aim is to give participants a good overview of different field methods used in archaeology, whilst also engaging them in current research. During the first two weeks, participants spend most of their time learning new skills in both classroom-type sessions and during hands-on practical training exercises. The two optional weeks are mainly spent in the field, putting these new skills into practice and working alongside volunteers, students and experienced excavators to contribute to the research project. Much of the course is based on directions given in our site manual, To CAP it all, which is available for free download from our publications page.
We cover the following techniques/skills (subject to weather conditions and availability):
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Site health and safety
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Excavation techniques
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Magnetometry survey
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Resistivity survey
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Use of 'total station' and 'dumpy' level
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Excavation recording
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Plan drawing
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Section drawing
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Site formation
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Environmental archaeology
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Finds processing
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Archaeological photography
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Site grid set-up
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Standing vernacular building recording
Follow this link to a video of CCCU students at Bridge Farm: https://youtu.be/6IRAkXkkhjI
Training course programme
Training course application form
Send completed forms to join@culverproject.co.uk
