Do as the Romans do…in England! Plan ahead for summer 2013, when you can donate your time to scientific research and excavation of the UK’s Roman heritage along the River Tyne. Keep reading to learn more about this EarthWatch Institute program. Check back every Wednesday for more voluntourism opportunities and tune into Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio on Saturday for more information.
Earthwatch is a global organization that brings a people with a diverse array of skills together for the common goal of scientific research. Near the River Tyne sits the South Shields Roman Fort, a military settlement within UNESCO Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site. In the past ten years, Earthwatch Institute has worked to map the settlement and excavate various artifacts from jewelry to amour.
Volunteers work in small groups and work on stratigraphic excavation, digging, recording site data, surveying, sampling, cleaning and processing finds. You’ll be led by a team of experienced archeologists to unearth how Romans and Europeans first came in contact with each other.
In addition to volunteering, you can experience the Tyne region’s beautiful coastline, beaches, parks and wildlife. Volunteer stays range from 6 to 14 days, and cost from $875 to $2,675. Accommodation is included at local guesthouses in a quaint resort town. Full breakfasts, picnic lunches and dinners are all provided on site. If you’d rather select your own accommodation, there’s a special team you can join.
Age groups for projects are over 18, 16 through 18 and families. Children must be 10 years or older. No experience is necessary and all training is provided on site. Dates vary and it is up to you how long you wish to volunteer, but all projects take place June through August. Remember volunteers are required to submit paperwork 90 days in advance, so now is the time to start planning for next summer.
For more information, contact projects@earthwatch.org.uk or call 01865 318831
Visit their website for additional information and all the necessary volunteer forms.
By Courtney Crockett for PeterGreenberg.com
