Location: Welby Ln, Melton Mowbray LE14 3JL, UK
Season: June 22, 2026 to July 3, 2026
Session Dates: Week 1: 22nd Jun- 26th Jun Week 2: 29th June Jun - 3rd Jul
Application Deadline: June 29, 2026
Deadline Type: Contact for Details
Website: https://mercian-as.co.uk/welby.html
Program Type:
Field School
RPA Certified:
No
Affiliation:
Mercian Archaeological Services CIC
Project Director:
Andy Gaunt
Project Description:
Join Mercian Archaeological Services CIC in the beautiful Leicester countryside, near the market town of Melton Mowbray, in the Heart of Rural England, for this week-long training excavation, which focuses on the teaching of archaeological excavation methods.
Archaeological Training Field School:
This is not an ordinary field school – this is a ‘training field school’ where you will learn about all aspects of archaeological excavation and receive hands on training and learning from archaeological professionals in the heart of Sherwood Forest…
As well as offering the best in archaeological training and support, the Field School is tailored towards enabling attendees to fulfil the requirements of the Archaeological Skills Passport.
Some feedback from previous delegates:
“A fantastic introduction to so many archaeological skills. Great from start to finish of the course.”
-ST (delegate) Week 2 2021
“Learnt so much from a very dedicated and knowledgeable group of people”
-JY, (delegate) Welby Week 2 2021
“I am so glad I came to Mercian for my first field school- I now feel overqualified when I go to other field schools and digs!”
-Vanessa, (delegate) Welby Week 2 2024
This course is suitable for all levels from beginner to experienced digger.
For those wishing to develop their skills, for students and post-graduates seeking to fulfil the experience requirements of their courses… for those wishing to pursue a career in archaeology, or improve their knowledge to give them the edge at work… for those looking to acquire cross-transferable skills… for volunteer diggers wishing to raise their game, impress their friends, and increase their enjoyment of archaeology and heritage through a greater skill set and knowledge base…. through to people simply wishing to learn for the love of learning…
Everyone is welcome… no previous knowledge or experience is required…
You will receive training and experience in many techniques of excavation,
including The Core Skills of the Archaeological Skills Passport:
Plus many higher level archaeological techniques that make up the Secondary Skills of the Archaeology Skills Passport including:
As well as covering skill requirements for the Passport we also provide:
As well as the above all school attendees will receive the following:
*Please note accommodation is not provided*
Period(s) of Occupation: Medieval/ Post-medieval
Project Size: 1-24 participants
Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 1 week
Minimum Age: 15
Experience Required: No Experience is required
Room and Board Arrangements:
Accommodation is not provided
Andy Gaunt
Staffordshire House Beechdale Road
Nottingham
Nottinghamshire
NG8 3FH
United Kingdom
