Environmental Archaeology Workshop

During this 2-day training workshop volunteers will learn more about the archaeological and techniques used to investigate the hemp and flax industry of the area from the recent past.

The first day will give the background to the techniques we will be using, which will include archaeological survey techniques, geoarchaeological recording and the analysis of environmental remains such as pollen and plant remains. The second day will be spent on site, putting the theory into practice!

If you would like to attend please book your FREE place via the Eventbrite link here – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/environmental-archaeology-investigating-lost-flax-and-industries-a-2-day-workshop-tickets-59793307392

Please note – you only need to register once (one ticket). This will cover you for the two days.

Investigating lost flax and industries. A 2 day workshop.

In the space of 300 years an industry appeared, boomed and then all but disappeared. This industry was around growing and processing hemp and flax, for rope, cloth and cordage. When did this industry actually start? When did the change from hemp to flax occur? And where was this material grown and processed? This project aims to answer some of these questions, but we need your help to direct the questions we want to answer, and to help undertake the research.

During this 2-day training workshop volunteers will learn more about the archaeological, techniques used to investigate the hemp and flax industry of the area from the recent past. This opportunity will provide the necessary training and skills it takes to survey and investigate local landscape features that provide some of the last remaining fragments of evidence about this industry. It is also an opportunity to meet and work alongside environmental archaeologist Dr Suzi Richer to learn more about the techniques we will be using and the types of evidence we will bring together to shed more light on this industry.

Suzi Richer will lead the workshop, which will be split into two parts. The first day will give the background to the techniques we will be using, which will include archaeological survey techniques, geoarchaeological recording and the analysis of environmental remains such as pollen and plant remains. The second day will be spent on site, putting the theory into practice!

This is a great opportunity to learn how to combine historical research with both general archaeological skills and specialist information from pollen and plant remains, as well as to understand more about the social history of this fascinating industry.