More than 8,000 volunteers have assisted excavations with the Vindolanda Trust since its establishment in 1970.
These hardworking individuals have contributed to he collective understanding of the site, shedding light on vital aspects of Roman Britain.
The Trust remains resolute in its belief that volunteers should persist in being a core part of their archaeological, research-focused endeavours.
The archaeological site of the Vindolanda Trust's attention, Vindolanda, a Scheduled Monument that is 'one of the most exciting archaeological sites in Western Europe', and part of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site.
To conduct excavations at the site, the Vindolanda Trust requires a Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC), thus permitting them to excavate and conduct research in the area.
The next research project to take place at Roman Vindolanda, titled 'Castrum', Latin for 'Fort', began on April 8.
This project attentively concentrates on the last remaining turfed section within the boundaries of the last stone fort at Vindolanda: the north-eastern quadrant.
Alongside this quadrant, it will also scrutinise a segment of the eastern ditch found immediately beyond the fort walls.
The Castrum project aims to unify evidence procured from two centuries' worth of excavations.
It will be delivered with the considerable aid of more than 200 volunteers annually.
Certain areas of the north-eastern quadrant have already been probed before.
Anthony Hedley excavated the Fort’s east gate in the 1830s.
Between 1929 and 1997, Eric, Patricia and Robin Birley all explored sections of the northern fort wall.
Finally, Paul Bidwell uncovered evidence for 3rd and 4th century infantry barracks in the northernmost part of the quadrant.
Despite this, a myriad of research questions and possibilities still lie beneath the surface, ready to be unearthed over the next five years.
Dr Andrew Birley, CEO of The Vindolanda Charitable Trust, said: "In the next few years, we will not only uncover, research and publish some incredible archaeology from the Vindolanda site but also create a comprehensive floorplan and dataset for at least two of the nine levels of Vindolanda forts in our care."
“During this five-year project over 1,000 volunteers will be involved, including annual bursaries for young people to gain archaeological experience.”
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