Day 1

Today, 12 archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology turned out for the Community Dig in Harthill. There were two volunteers, myself and Alison, from the village. Alison and I set up the tables and the gazebo, which soon became known as Base Camp! Alison could only stay until 10.30am but, like me, was very excited to be taking part and is coming back again to help on Wednesday.

The Wessex Archaeology team carried a multitude of tools and equipment from the entrance of the wood to the site like pack mules. The ground was muddy in places but it was manageable and the path to the site that I had marked out with white poles was quickly marked out through the undergrowth by the many feet trudging backwards and forwards.

The WA group are a young, intelligent, warm and friendly bunch who went to great lengths to explain to me what they were doing and why they were doing what they were doing. The banter between them all at break times is amusing and very good humoured. Quite a few of them remarked that the site was in a beautiful location and that they were looking forward to the coming weeks.