2026 Field Schools

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In 2026 we are running two field schools:

20-24 April 2026 Besselsleigh, Oxfordshire

18-22 May 2026 Nr Felton, Northumberland 

Our field schools are open to anyone of any age and with any level of experience. Our small numbers mean training can be tailored to meet your needs, from beginners to those looking to develop or refresh their excavation and recording skills. We can also accommodate students seeking a placement for their university fieldwork requirement.

Field school participants will receive a live online briefing prior to the excavation, five full days excavating on site with specialist lectures and training during the week. You will be trained and involved in all aspects of excavating, recording and surveying the site, as well as finds sorting, cleaning and recording. These are exciting opportunities to have intensive training within important landscape research projects. 

BAJR Archaeological Skills Passports are provided to all participants.

Only 12 places per field school.

Cost: £350 per person for 5 days

Prior to the excavation

Briefing Notes: Excavation guides, handbooks and a field school journal will be emailed to you. BAJR Archaeology Skills Passports will be provided on site.

Digital Briefing: A live online meeting with CANCIC staff and a chance to meet other field school participants. 

On Site

You will be excavating and recording from Day 1 of your field school. In addition, on each day you will receive specialist training and talks from CANCIC staff and other experts.

A typical week will include:

Day 1 : Health and safety briefing, introductory site tour, introduction to excavation techniques and recording

Day 2 : Finds identification, processing and recording 

Day 3: Survey – manual and digital spatial recording

Day 4: Historical landscape, placenames and site context, scale plans, site photography and drawings

Day 5: Field school logbooks. Understanding site data and stratigraphic relationships in preparation for post-excavation reporting.