Volunteering at Wessex Archaeology

Volunteering at Wessex Archaeology will give you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals at the UK’s market leader in the provision of quality archaeological and heritage services. 

If you’re looking to make a start in a career in the heritage sector you can expect our teams to be willing to support and train you in the skills you need.

Our volunteers projects offer the opportunity to be gain and develop skills for life and learning; art, photography, data entry, public speaking, team working, presenting, finds identification and communication. 

How can I volunteer at Wessex Archaeology?

To become a Wessex Archaeology Volunteer download and complete our Volunteer Application Form and email it to our Community & Education Manager, Sam Fieldhouse engagement@wessexarch.co.uk 

What opportunities are there for me to get involved with?

Wessex Archaeology staff identify volunteer projects in liaison with the Community & Education Manager. We also welcome volunteer project proposals from potential volunteers with specific skills.

All Wessex Archaeology volunteer projects are created at the request of our specialist staff. As a volunteer, you may have the opportunity to support the work of our Education, Finds, Research, Coastal & Marine, Archives and Graphics teams.

What training will I get when I volunteer for Wessex Archaeology?

Throughout your journey, Wessex Archaeology offers our volunteers training relevant to the project you are undertaking. This may include the handling and packing of objects, object marking, finds identification and specialist IT training.

All our volunteers undergo an induction that covers safeguarding, welfare, a building tour, emergency procedures and manual handling.

What is the process to become a volunteer?

1. Submit a volunteer application form. We will acknowledge your application and may invite you for a brief interview.

2. Book onto an available volunteer induction session. You will be held on our waiting list until a space on one of our induction sessions becomes available. Induction sessions are held at our head office in Salisbury.

3. Pick your project. After completing an induction, you will be placed on our active mailing list. We will send you details of projects as they become available and if you’re interested, you will be invited for a project specific induction.

4. Enjoy volunteering! Attend training sessions, staff lectures and social events.

Current Volunteer Projects

To see our current volunteer projects, download the PDFs below.

New projects become available regularly which are emailed to our active volunteers via our mailing list and uploaded here.

Important things to know about becoming a Wessex Archaeology volunteer

Volunteers never undertake the work of salaried staff or work on commercial projects in lieu of salaried staff. Fieldwork opportunities are therefore very limited.

All our volunteer projects involve work that would otherwise not be undertaken, adding value to our operation whilst offering volunteers the opportunity to undertake practical historic environment work.