To assist with archaeological research mostly along the A5 in Northamptonshire.

CLASP are a local community based archaeology group. For 20 years they have carried out archaeological research in central Northamptonshire along the A5 corridor.

Projects have included the excavation of a Roman villa and a post Roman and Anglo Saxon cemetery.  They also carry out field walking and geophysical surveys. Post excavation work includes processing and recording finds and archiving.  Assistance is also needed with running the group eg with publicity and fund raising.

Members can volunteer to carry out any of the following range of activities: 

• fieldwalking: searching systematically for archaeological evidence on top of the soil; 
• small-scale excavation: digging test pits and trenches; 
• finds processing: identifying, cleaning, classifying and conserving finds; 
• drawing detailed plans of test pits and trenches; 
• making photographic records of excavations and finds;   
• data-processing: recording ‘contexts’ and turning surveying and mapping information into charts – this can involve learning to use specialised computer programmes;   
• assisting in publishing and disseminating findings; 
• adapting or creating publicity materials for displays and open days; 
• working on applications for funding; 
• supporting the Treasurer:   
• running or helping with fundraising activities;   
• completing paperwork relating to charity status; 
• maintaining equipment and the field centre itself; 
• overseeing/running the organisation as a trustee;

Skills

Skills required are dependant upon the activity.

Training in archaeological processes will be given, but volunteers with experience of fund raising, social media or as a member of a committee are especially welcome.

The members, all volunteers, are technically led by their professionally qualified Archaeological Director, himself a volunteer.

Members are encouraged and enabled to learn skills for themselves, both formally and ‘in the field’, to become confident and self-sufficient in all aspects of archaeological investigation.

Upcoming projects to train volunteers include: use of geophysical equipment; using GPS to record finds whilst field walking; identifying different types of pottery and their provenance; and using specialist software to map aerial photographs with Google Earth.