Get Involved
Interested in getting hands-on with archaeology and historic buildings in Perth and Kinross?
Exploring Perthshire's Past provides many opportunities to take part in practical 'hands-on' activities throughout the year, including historic building recording, archaeological excavation, geophysical survey, archaeological field-walking, site clearance and management, and graveyard recording.
The Historic Churchyards Project provides many outreach, training and volunteer activities throughout the year including clearance of ivy from historic stone structures, sowing wildflower meadows in churchyards, standing building recording and graveyard recording training events. Guided tours of churchyards have taken place under Perthshire Archaeology Month and Doors Open Day and educational events are planned with schools.
Details of these types of activities and projects are outlined below. No experience is necessary as training and supervision is provided. If you are interested in finding out more about future projects, please contact the Outreach Officer.
Archaeological excavation involves the uncovering, interpretation and recording of archaeological sites. Excavation is a key way to find out more about how people lived in the past by providing physical evidence for past activities. Today, volunteer opportunities on excavations are uncommon, however through EPP there are a number of chances to get your hands dirty and experience the processes of archaeology for yourself. Learn the skills of excavation, photography, surveying and drawing.
Historic building recording involves the detailed study and accurate recording of historic buildings by photography and measured-drawings. This is normally carried out in advance of demolition or prior to conservation works. Detailed study of a building can help to uncover the date and history of the structure, as well as providing a chance to interpret and understand how it has developed over time. Learn the skills of photography, measured planning and elevation drawing.
Fieldwalking involves the organised collection of archaeological objects from the surface of ploughed fields. It can be used to discover new sites or gather information on existing sites. A field is laid out into a grid and systematically checked, with objects found plotted on the grid. This can show patterns of occupation, and when results from many walks are studied together they can help to understand the use of landscapes in the past.
Archaeologists use a number of geophysical survey techniques both to map out the detail of known sites, and discover new features. These methods allow for differences in the underlying terrain to be measured and recorded without the need for digging. This can involve detecting the electrical or magnetic properties of features in the ground which contrast greatly with their surroundings.
The clearance and management of overgrown archaeological sites and historic buildings is commonly carried out in advance of excavation or conservation work. Essential to the longer-term management of many sites is the removal of vegetation which endangers the survival of the site.
Wildflower meadow sowing is being encouraged following reinstatement of eroded areas around grave stones. This is easy to do and can be done by any age, but is of lasting benefit to the carved stones and to the wildlife which will enjoy the new habitat space created.