Be a Volunteer
Join us in preserving East Wear Bay's archaeological heritage for future generations
Make a Difference Through Archaeology
Canterbury Archaeological Trust volunteers make an enormous and valuable contribution to the preservation and understanding of East Wear Bay's rich heritage. Whether you're passionate about history, looking to learn new skills, or simply want to give back to your community, there's a place for you on our team.
No experience necessary - full training provided!
Current Volunteering Opportunities
Excavation Volunteers
Join our field team in uncovering the past. Work alongside professional archaeologists and students to excavate, record, and preserve archaeological features. Learn excavation techniques, stratigraphic recording, and the use of archaeological tools. Perfect for those who enjoy outdoor work and hands-on learning.
Finds Processing Volunteers
Help process and catalogue archaeological finds in our dedicated facilities. Activities include washing, marking, sorting, and cataloguing artefacts. Learn about different pottery types, building materials, and small finds. Work in a comfortable indoor environment with flexible hours year-round.
Community Outreach Volunteers
Share our discoveries with the public through events, school visits, and open days. Help run educational activities, guide site tours, and engage visitors with hands-on demonstrations. Perfect for those with strong communication skills and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge.
Digital Documentation Volunteers
Support our digital archive through photography and database entry. Help create 3D models, manage our online collections, and digitise paper records. Training provided in archaeological photography and digital recording techniques.
How to Get Involved
Register your interest using the form below, and our volunteer coordinator will contact you with current opportunities and next steps.
Volunteer Stories
Hear from our dedicated volunteers about their experiences with the East Wear Bay Archaeological Project.
"I've learnt so much, learnt about the locality, and also being able to handle things that I've only seen through glass in the museum. You don't get this chance very often to actually pick up things that are probably two thousand years old."
"It's been amazing to be involved with many of the CAT team, work alongside them [and] feel you're making a contribution to the whole process."
"For me it was something to look forward to, something to take me out of work. It was a nice calming activity. So it definitely has helped with my mental health."
"I think from a social point of view, and sort of health and well-being point of view, being out in fresh air, you can't beat it really."
"I've found out about other archaeological things going on in Kent. So I feel like my life is full. I feel like I'm engaged in the community. I'm engaged in life."
"Not every volunteering opportunity teaches you how to record. This was a pleasant surprise from the East Wear Bay project because not only we were told how to draw sections plans, [CAT staff] actually took time to show us every detail."
"To be actually able to use some of the skills that I've been learning online as in how to measure your site, to document all the contents, put them all in the right places. All that sort of thing was great to be able to really get my hands on."
Our Mutual Commitments
We commit to the following:
1. Induction and training
To provide information on the work of Canterbury Archaeological Trust, its staff, your volunteering role and the training necessary to assist you in meeting the responsibilities of your volunteering role.
2. Supervision, support and flexibility
To define appropriate standards of our services, to communicate them to you, and to encourage and support you to achieve and maintain them as part of your voluntary work. To speak with you regularly to discuss your volunteering and any associated problems. To do our best to help you develop your volunteering role with us and to be flexible in how we use your volunteering.
3. Health and safety
To provide adequate training and feedback in support of our health and safety policy, a copy of which is provided to you during induction.
4. Insurance
To provide adequate insurance cover for volunteers whilst undertaking voluntary work approved and authorised by us.
5. Equal opportunities
To ensure that all volunteers are dealt with in accordance with our equal opportunities policy, access to which is provided during your induction.
6. Problems
To endeavour to resolve in a fair and just manner any problems, grievances or difficulties which may be encountered while you volunteer with us.
We hope you can provide the following:
1. Accountability
To help us maintain and improve our services to those we work with and for. Carry out your volunteering role to the best of your ability. Time keeping is important to us, please keep to any arrangements made and inform us if you cannot, for example if you are ill, or have other commitments.
2. Health and safety
To always work safely.
3. Equal opportunities and diversity
To adopt an approach to others within Canterbury Archaeological Trust which embraces diversity.
Practical Information
Accessibility
We strive to make our volunteering opportunities accessible to all. Please let us know about any specific requirements or adjustments you need, and we'll work with you to find suitable accommodations.
Getting There
Our Canterbury office is easily accessible by public transport. The excavation site can be reached by car or bicycle, with limited parking available. We can help arrange car sharing for those without transport.
Parking
Limited free parking is available at our Canterbury office. Public car parks are available nearby. At the excavation site, designated volunteer parking areas are provided during active dig seasons.
Equipment and Preparation for Excavation Volunteers
What You'll Need to Bring
- • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- • Sturdy boots for excavation work
- • Water bottle and packed lunch for field days
- • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- • Your own trowel (4" WHS pointing trowel recommended)
- • Small finds kit (if you have one)
What will be provided
- • Large tools (mattocks, shovels)
- • Recording equipment (pens, pencils, erasers etc)
- • Any specialist equipment needed