Post-Excavation

2026 Excavation Season

Here you can find out more about the current Magna excavations.

In 2024 at Vindolanda we started a new Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC) find out more about the next phase of our research and where we'll be excavating over the next five years in Castrum: 2024-2028 Excavations.

The Vindolanda Trust believes that archaeology and history are for everyone and to give as many people the opportunity to participate with our excavations, there is a limit of one excavation or post-excavation place per person. This applies across both sites and all Vindolanda Trust excavations and post-excavation.

What is Involved in Post-Excavation?

Running alongside the excavation programme at both sites, this opportunity allows you to get hands-on with the bulk finds from our digs. You’ll help to clean and categorise artefacts such as pottery, animal bone, iron, slag, and other materials recovered from the excavations. You’ll also have the chance to learn and take part in soil flotation, an important process in archaeological analysis.

As some of this work involves using water outdoors, we recommend bringing waterproof clothing, warm layers, and sturdy boots. During your time with us, you’ll gain insight into the different types of pottery uncovered and how these finds help us to better understand the archaeological sites.

Each day starts at 9:30am, with work continuing until 12:00pm, followed by a lunch break (12:00–1:00pm). The afternoon session runs from 1:00–2:30pm, after which we pause for tea (30 minutes) before the final session from 3:00–4:00pm.
The schedule mirrors that of the main excavation, ensuring you’re fully integrated into the wider team — sharing breaks, meals, and the upkeep of communal spaces. Please note that the work can involve some lifting and carrying of trays and buckets of water.

The post-excavation activities take place across both sites, which are approximately 7 miles apart. It is therefore recommended that you have your own transport available for travel between them.

Cost of Post Excavation 2026:

2026 Dates:

Each period is two weeks long and you may book a maximum of one period on any Vindolanda Trust Excavations or post excavations. There will be four post-excavation places available in each period.