Archaeological dig at Gt Shelford

In July and August this year, a group of people with Asberger’s syndrome from Red2Green, spent a couple of days working outside on an archaeological dig. The dig, which was organised by the University of Cambridge as part of its Higher Education Field Academy scheme which aims to encourage young people who may not have many opportunities to do so, to consider applying for a university education.

The group took part in all aspects of the dig over the two days (see photos)starting from measuring their first test pit digging, layering and recording and were rewarded for their hard work by finding a very interesting hole in the ground that may have been an oven, a variety of metal objects and an almost whole teapot! They were expected to fill in a site diary and to log and measure all finds.

Since the dig, artist Wendy Hagger has worked with the group to produce a record of the dig– a book made from paper-bags using photos, illustrations and diary excerpts from the participants. They are also making an audio visual presentation explaining what the dig was about and the find that were dug up. For more information re the Higher Education Field Academy contact Carenza Lewis at the University of Cambridge crl29@cam.ac.uk