Description

To use archaeological research and field work to research the bridge locale, land use for agriculture and industry and the river economy. This will inform the project archive, educational and exhibition materials and time capsules.

We seek people to help us use archaeology to uncover the untold stories of the Union Chain Bridge, crossing the River Tweed in the Borders. We welcome interest from people with all levels of prior experience from expert to novice and all shades between, as training will be given.

The main focus of the role will involve:
interpreting historic maps, aerial photographs, scientific surveys and other resources;
historic building and landscape recording and analysis;
on-site excavation.

The content will be held in the project archives and will inform educational materials and public exhibition materials including the project website. Some content will be included in the time capsules to be buried at each end of the bridge.

Organisation aims and objectives

Union Chain Bridge: Crossing Borders, Inspiring Communities is an ambitious project involving the conservation of the historic Union Chain Bridge, and an extensive programme of public engagement. The project is a partnership between Northumberland County Council, Scottish Borders Council, Museums Northumberland and the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge. In this partnership, Museums Northumberland is responsible for the Volunteer Programme and the delivery of all heritage learning and engagement activities on both sides of the border. Through everything we do, we strive to inspire people to engage and connect with local culture and heritage through a set of core values. We strive to be: Generous - we are receptive, friendly and enabling; Strategic - we are focused on our long-term objectives and how to achieve them; Innovative - we are creative and thrive on ambitious projects and good ideas, and Collaborative - we are inspired by partnership working and strive for co-delivery and co-authorship.

Availability

Flexible. Some can be done in your own time. We will arrange the training to be as suitably timed for the majority of participants as possible. No minimum commitment but it would be lovely to have people committed to the project as a whole so volunteers can see the fruits of their labours towards the end of the project period. To a large extent you will be able to manage your own work schedule with guidance from the project team.,

Restrictions

Experience required: An interest in history, natural history and local culture Ability to work on your own and in a team Attendance at appropriate training to develop your skills. Through this role you will gain: Experience of working with maps and interpreting them. The opportunity to develop your knowledge of local history, geography, natural history and culture with a focus on the Union Chain Bridge. Experience of working independently, yet as part of a bigger team.
Travel details: Some activity may be undertaken remotely, online at home. However, the field work will be on site at the Union Chain Bridge, near Paxton, Scottish Borders. If remote working is preferred, you may be interested in our Archival Volunteer opportunity which is also advertised at this site.
Minimum age: 18

Support

Expenses paid: Yes
Expenses details: We commit to reimbursing volunteers for actual and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred, such as for travel, in line with our volunteer policy to ensure that opportunities are accessible and inclusive. There is fuller detail in the MN volunteer policy, discussion of which is a key part of the induction process.
Training details: Volunteers will receive a mixture of internally and externally delivered training including: Equality & Diversity Interpretation of visual resources such as maps, photographs and Lidar. Archaeological excavation techniques. Osteology. Historic building and landscape recording and analysis.
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer