Dirty Weekend: Dig with archaeologists in Southall, with Canal & River Trust

  • Fri 19 - Sun 21 May 2023
  • Norwood Bottom Lock 91, Grand Union Canal Walk, Southall
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Take part in an archaeological dig to unearth historic ruins along the Grand Union Canal in Southall, with DigVentures and Canal & River Trust.

Where: Norwood Bottom Lock, Southall, UK (what3words ///island.hears.likes)
When: Friday 19 – Sunday 21 May 2023, 10 – 4pm
How long: Half day (2.5 hours, 10:00-12:30 or 1:30-4:00), or full day (5 hours, 10:00-4:00)
Cost: Free
Run by: DigVentures and Canal & River Trust
Suitable for:
Friday 19 & Saturday 20 May: Adults aged 18 + (can also bring young people aged 14-17)
Sunday 21 May: Families with children aged 9+ (must include an adult aged 18+)
Requirements: No experience required!
Booking: Essential

About this event

Archaeologists are coming to Southall to unearth the historic ruins of the Lockkeeper’s Cottage. These ruins are going to be converted into a new community garden for everyone to enjoy along the Southall Wellbeing Way.

But what did these historic ruins originally look like? Do they contain any historical clues about who lived here? Was there a garden? And can the evidence we uncover inspire the design of the new community garden?

This is a very special opportunity to join a real-life archaeological dig, try archaeology, and get hands-on to help re-discover a missing piece of local history – right on your doorstep in Southall.

What you'll do

Sign up to join the dig and you’ll learn how to search for buried evidence along with our friendly team of archaeologists. Come along and you will:

  • Find out how archaeologists search for the past, and what happens to the discoveries
  • Dig with archaeologists to help unearth the historic ruins
  • Search for clues to who lived here, and how the ruins originally looked
  • Create a map of the layout and any finds we discover
  • Use the evidence to help design a new community garden – inspired by the history beneath it!

Location

Norwood Bottom Lock 91 (Canal & River Trust)

Norwood Bottom Lock
Lock 91
Grand Union Canal Walk
London
Southall

Norwood Bottom Lock 91 (Canal & River Trust)

Norwood Bottom Lock, Lock 91, Grand Union Canal Walk, London, Southall

what3words ///island.hears.likes

About the Southall Wellbeing Way

This archaeological dig is happening as part of canalside improvements at a number of locations along the Grand Union Canal (including the site of the dig) to create the Southall Wellbeing Way – a green corridor that wraps around Southall, allowing local people to step away from the urban streets and connect with nature. Once the archaeological dig is complete, the site will be converted into a new community garden inspired by the unearthed ruins – for everyone to enjoy.

Additional info

Who can join on Friday and Saturday?

Friday and Saturday sessions are designed for adults aged 18+ and young people aged 14-17.

Due to the nature of the activity and space limitations:

  • You must book a place for each person you’re bringing
  • Young people aged 14-17 must be accompanied at all times by an adult aged 18+ who has also booked a place
  • It is not suitable for young people aged under 14, or for 14-17 year olds who are not accompanied by an adult aged 18+

Other than that, it’s open to anyone – no previous knowledge or experience required!

Who can join on Sunday?

Sunday sessions are designed for families with children aged 9+.

Due to the nature of the activity and space limitations:

  • You must book a place for you and for each child you’re bringing
  • Children must be supervised by you (an adult aged 18+) at all times
  • It is not suitable for young people aged under 9, or for children aged 9+ who are not accompanied by an adult aged 18+

Other than that, it’s open to anyone – no previous knowledge or experience required!

Is there a waiting list?

If all the places are fully booked by the time you read this, you can indeed join our waiting list. All you have to do is click here to email us and join the waiting list.

Alternatively, just email bookings@digventures.com with ‘Add me to the Southall Dig Waiting List’ in the title.

If any places become available, we’ll email you an alert.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is close to Norwood Top Lock, at Hanwell Lock 91 (see map above).

You will receive a reminder of the exact meeting point in your confirmation email once you’ve booked your place.

What facilities are available?

The site is outdoors, so please remember to check the weather and dress appropriately.

Hot drinks, toilets, and handwashing facilities will be available on our work boat, which will be moored next to the dig site.

Is the site and activity accessible?

The site (next to Norwood Bottom Lock) is accessed along Grand Union Canal Walk – a canalside towpath that can be reached from Three Bridges or Norwood Top Lock 91.

The activity requires some movement across uneven ground, as well as standing, kneeling, sitting, lifting, and using archaeological hand tools, including trowels, hand shovels, mattocks, and buckets.

If you have any specific accessibility needs, please email bookings@digventures.com before booking to discuss options – we’ll always do our best to make adjustments that enable you to take part.

What do I need to bring?

We’ll provide all the archaeological tools, you just need to bring:

  • Boots
  • Comfortable, weather-appropriate outdoor clothing (i.e., that you don’t mind getting a little dirty)
  • Packed lunch if you’re booking a full day

Are there any risks?

Yes. You’ll receive a full Health & Safety briefing when you arrive, but general risks include uneven ground, use of hand tools, and other risks associated with proximity to the canal, including leptospirosis.

We’ll provide hand sanitiser and hand washing facilities.

I don't want to dig, but can I still visit?

Yes! You’re welcome to come and visit, say hello, and see what’s happening.

Bring your friends and family along!

Places are limited, so please only book sessions that you’re sure you can attend.
Remember to let us know if you can no longer make it so that we can offer your place to someone else.

To join us on Friday or Saturday, you must be an adult aged 18+, but can also bring young people aged 14-17.
To join us on Sunday, you must be a family with children aged 9+.