Prehistoric Suffolk

Contribute to Groundbreaking Research in West Suffolk

This project focuses on uncovering and understanding Bronze Age funerary landscapes in Suffolk—a region that holds a significant place in the prehistoric archaeology of Britain. The area is known for ring ditches and burial mounds, which offer invaluable insights into the social and ritual practices of early communities. Our recent excavations have revealed layers of occupation spanning from the Late Mesolithic to the Middle Bronze Age, providing a rare glimpse into thousands of years of human activity.

By participating or supporting our work, you’ll play a crucial role in documenting and preserving these ancient landscapes. The OSL dating of the ring ditch, suggesting a date around 1300 BC, places this site squarely in the Middle Bronze Age, shedding light on the cultural practices and settlement patterns of the time. This research helps deepen our understanding of how prehistoric communities lived, farmed, created tools, and honoured their dead.

Interested in a deeper dive into our findings and the fascinating history of the site? Click here to explore a more detailed overview of our research and the significance of this ancient landscape.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, our field school experience offers a unique opportunity for students and archaeology enthusiasts to gain hands-on training in excavation techniques. Whether you’re seeking to boost your skills passport or simply eager for an archaeological adventure, our experienced team is ready to guide you. Participants can commute daily or camp on-site, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow archaeology enthusiasts.

Help us crowdfund this dig!

You’ll receive comprehensive training and support in essential archaeological skills, guided by experienced archaeologists:

• Setting up Archaeological Grids: Learn the fundamentals of setting up grids, an essential skill for systematic excavation and fieldwalking, with guidance at every step.
• Feature Identification: Develop the skills to clean and identify archaeological features and deposits, helping you interpret key elements of the site.
• Stratigraphic Excavation: Gain an introduction to recording and excavating layered deposits, with support in understanding how these layers reveal site chronology.
• Maintaining Site Records: Practise detailed record-keeping, ensuring that each discovery is accurately documented with expert assistance.
• On-Site Photography: Learn photography techniques to capture important details for archaeological records, with hands-on guidance for documentation.
• Interpretation Skills: Begin piecing together historical narratives from excavated data, with insights from our archaeologists to support your learning.
• Drawing Plans and Sections: Learn to create scaled site drawings, essential for site interpretation, with step-by-step instruction.
• Archaeological Survey: Receive an introduction to surveying archaeological features using GeoMax Zenith 60 GPS equipment.
• Environmental Sampling: Implement sampling techniques that help reconstruct ancient environments, with structured support throughout.
• OSL Dating Techniques: Gain hands-on experience with Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, a key method for dating sediments, under guidance.
• Artefact Handling and Cataloguing: Practise retrieving, cataloguing, and conserving artefacts with the support of trained professionals.
• Dry Sieving for Flint Artefacts: Learn to identify and recover small finds through dry sieving, with careful guidance to build your confidence.

Shorter Experience Packages

If you’re unable to join us for a full week, we offer flexible day options and weekend experiences that provide a taste of life on an archaeological dig. These shorter packages are perfect for those who want to experience hands-on excavation without a long-term commitment.

• Single-Day Experience: Participate in a full day of archaeological fieldwork on any day from Tuesday to Sunday between 15^th July and 17^th August.
  • Pricing:
    • Adults: £150 per day
    • Students: £120 per day (Student bookings must be made through a valid university email address)

• 2 Day Experience or Weekend Experience: Choose between a 2-day experience or a weekend experience (Saturday and Sunday) to gain insight into archaeological fieldwork and learn fundamental excavation techniques. Weekend bookings are available for any Saturday and Sunday from 20^th July to 17^th August.
  • Pricing:
    • Adults: £280
    • Students: £210 (Student bookings must be made through a valid university email address)

Participants in the day and weekend experiences will work alongside our team of archaeologists, contributing to our ongoing research into the Bronze Age landscapes of Suffolk while learning essential skills and techniques.

Young Archaeologists Club (Under 16s)

Give your budding archaeologist the chance to experience real archaeological fieldwork! Our Young Archaeologists Club offers an engaging and educational experience tailored for under-16s, allowing them to participate in excavation activities and learn fundamental techniques.

Pricing:

• 1 Day: £80 per child
• 2 Days: £140 per child

Please Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults attend free of charge unless they wish to actively participate in the excavation activities.

Catering and Accommodation

Participants are welcome to bring a packed lunch, with a microwave available for those who wish to heat their food. Throughout the day, we provide complimentary tea, coffee, biscuits, and water to keep you refreshed.

For added convenience, a pre-bookable lunch option will be available next spring at an additional charge, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal prepared on-site.

Campsite Facilities

Our campsite is equipped with essentials, including toilets, a shower, cooking facilities, and a fridge for storing your food. While there is no running water on-site, we ensure a comfortable setup for your stay, so please plan accordingly.

Additional Information and Extras

Our archaeological sessions run Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 8:30 am and finishing at 5:00 pm. We have a tea break at 10:30 am and a lunch break from 1:00 to 2:00 pm.

FAQs

Where is the site located? 

The Hawstead Project is located in the picturesque countryside of Suffolk, 3 miles south of Bury St Edmunds.

How do I get to the site?

Suffolk is well-connected by road and rail, with directions provided to participants in advance. If you’re travelling by public transport, we can arrange pick-up from the nearest station for your convenience.

What can I expect to learn during the field school?

At our field school, you’ll have the opportunity to learn a wide range of archaeological skills and techniques, from excavation methods to artefact handling and record-keeping. For a full list of skills covered, please refer to the section above.

What should I bring?

You should bring suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and a packed lunch. A microwave is available to heat food, and we’ll provide tea, coffee, biscuits, and water throughout the day.

Are there facilities on-site?

Yes, we provide access to toilets, a shower, cooking facilities, and a fridge for participants. Please note that there is currently no running water at the campsite, so plan accordingly.

Can I stay on-site?

Absolutely! We offer camping facilities for those who wish to stay on-site. Camping is charged at £10 per night or £35 per week, which helps support the maintenance of the facilities.

Do I need a trowel?
If you have your own trowel, feel free to bring it. Alternatively, you can purchase one of our excavation packs, which includes a trowel. Full details are available on the booking page.

Is prior experience required?

No, our field school welcomes all skill levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Our team will guide you through each step, making it an ideal opportunity to learn.

Is there a site t-shirt?
Yes, a site t-shirt and even a site hoody will be available for order online prior to your arrival.

Can I take photographs?

Absolutely! We encourage you to document and enjoy your experience by taking photographs.

Help Us Crowdfund this Dig: Become a Season Member!

Support our mission to uncover and preserve the fascinating Bronze Age landscapes of West Suffolk, even if you can’t join us in the field. By becoming a Season Member for just £50, you’ll gain exclusive access to our dig from the comfort of your home and enjoy a range of perks:

• Project Updates: Stay up to date with regular reports from the dig, featuring insights into our latest discoveries and behind-the-scenes stories.
• Video Tours with the Team: Experience the site virtually through video tours led by our team of archaeologists, giving you a closer look at the excavation process and key finds.
• Summary Report: Receive a detailed report summarizing the project’s findings, delivered straight to your inbox in January 2026.
• Free Site Tour: Visit the dig site in person with a complimentary tour on either Saturday 26th July or Saturday 2nd August 2025.
• Hawstead Open Evening: Enjoy free entry to the Hawstead Open Evening (date to be confirmed), where we’ll share insights and highlights from the season’s work.

Your membership not only supports our archaeological research but also makes you a valued part of our community. Together, we can uncover the stories of Suffolk’s ancient past.

If you have any questions about our field schools, feel free to reach out to us at projects@pasttopresent.org. We’re here to help!