Archaeology Volunteering

Do you want to know more about the archaeology of the Lake District? Would you like to get involved?  

We can provide opportunities to take part in archaeological survey and conservation. We also offer training and social events.

We are not currently recruiting. However if you are interested in taking part in archaeological surveys and conservation then please check back in the future.

Programme of events 

Archaeology programme of events

The programme will be updated. Any changes will appear on this web page.

Lake District Archaeology Network Member

If you would like to get involved occasionally, without a formal commitment, you can become a member of our Archaeology Volunteer Network.

Benefits for you:

• Better understanding of archaeology and the historic environment
• Developing skills in archaeological fieldwork and conservation
• Working in the Lake District National Park

More details in Archaeology Network Member Profile (Word document).

Lake District National Park Authority - Archaeology Volunteer

Benefits for you:

You will enjoy all the benefits of the Network Members plus:

• Reimbursement of travel expenses
• Provision of basic workwear such as boots and boiler suit 
• Lake District Archaeology Volunteer Network T-shirt
• Priority booking for training and social events

We would like to plan a full programme of survey and conservation. In return for the benefits we provide, we ask that registered Archaeology Volunteers commit to a minimum of five working days in the year.

Please read the Archaeology Volunteer Profile (Word document).

Archaeology Volunteer Supervisor

Do you already have experience of archaeological fieldwork or conservation? Do you know about historic environment issues? If so, you may want to volunteer as a Supervisor. Supervisors will help us organise and implement our programme of archaeological work.

Benefits for you:

• You will enjoy all the above benefits plus
• Extra training
• Opportunity to develop leadership skills

Due to the additional training and the importance of this role for the success of the Network, we ask that Archaeology Volunteer Supervisors commit to at least 10 working days across the year, for three years.

Please read the Archaeology Volunteer Supervisor Profile (Word document).

What we've done so far

Check out our bulletins:

• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin November 2019 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 11 April 2019 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 10 November 2018 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 9 June 2018 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 8 February 2017 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 7 May 2016 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 6 September 2015 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 5 April 2015 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 4 November 2014 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 3 March 2014 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 2 Oct 2013 (PDF)
• Archaeology Volunteer Network Bulletin 1 May 2013 (PDF)

Training opportunities

We will provide training so you can confidently participate in archaeological survey and conservation projects. We will also hold two introductory sessions each year. These will include information on:

• the archaeology of the Lake District
• the historic buildings of the Lake District
• archaeological surveying and recording
• conservation techniques

All new volunteers will be asked to attend these lectures. Existing volunteers are welcome to come along as a refresher.

Volunteer Handbook

Find out more about enrolment, expenses, insurance, protective clothing and other important issues in our Archaeology Volunteer Handbook (Word document). New document coming soon!

How to get involved

We are not currently recruiting. However if you are interested in taking part in archaeological surveys and conservation then please check back in the future. 

How to book on to events

Once you are a registered volunteer, please book using the Programme of Events as your guide. Please book your places well in advance as they may be limited.

You can book by sending your name, activities and date you wish to take part in to archvol@lakedistrict.gov.uk We will then confirm your booking, and send you more information.

Please cancel any bookings as soon as possible, so we can offer your place to someone else on the waiting list.

More details

If you need more information on the application process or booking the events please contact us on archvol@lakedistrict.gov.uk

In partnership with: