Applications have opened for a bursary scheme to give young people in Tyne and Wear and Northumberland the opportunity to take part in summer archaeological digs on Hadrian's Wall.
For the second year in a row, Historic England has worked with the Vindolanda Trust on a bursary scheme, with the aim of opening opportunities for the region's young people to try archaeology and gain new skills. Part of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage site, the Northumberland fort is regarded as one of the most exciting archaeological sites in Europe, with archaeological remains being continuously found in its excavations - last year some very crude graffiti was found of an "explicitly carved phallus"!
However, the demand and costs of taking part; as well as places on the dig selling out very quickly; are a barrier to participation for some people, particularly those from communities along the Wall. In the bursary scheme's second year, there will be £10,000 available to fund ten young people to join the famous excavations.
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Last year's bursaries were only open to students at schools in the Tyne Valley, but the criteria has been expanded for 2023. Four non-residential bursary places are open to 18-20 year-olds living in the Tyne Valley, while the other six will fund residential places on the dig with young people from across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland eligible to apply.
They will cover a two-week placement at the annual excavation, working alongside experienced archaeologists and taking place between June and August. Mike Collins, Inspector of Ancient Monuments at Historic England, said: "By opening up this year’s bursaries to young people across a large part of the North East, we hope to inspire a new generation of archaeologists who might have thought this career path was out of their reach."
Anyone who meets the criteria is encouraged to apply for a bursary by completing an application form through the Vindolanda website before the closing date on January 31 2023. As well as digs at Vindolanda, this year will see the first excavations on the nearby Magna Fort, after the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded a £1.625m grant towards the £2.5m project at the 52-acre site near Walltown Crags.
Have you ever taken part in the Vindolanda Excavations? Let us know!
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