Introduction to Fieldwalking: Exploring the Landscape Through Archaeology
Fieldwalking is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of archaeological survey. It involves systematically walking over a landscape, searching for surface artifacts—such as pottery, stone tools, and animal bones—that may have been left behind by past human activity. This activity can offer valuable insights into ancient settlements, trade routes, and other key elements of the past. While it can be an exciting and rewarding outdoor pursuit, it is essential to approach fieldwalking with responsibility, care, and proper understanding to ensure that the process benefits archaeological research and the Preservation of the landscape.
What is Fieldwalking?
Fieldwalking is a non-invasive archaeological technique where individuals or groups walk over a designated area, scanning the ground for artifacts. These artifacts may be surface scatters, often visible to the naked eye, and the walking is generally done in straight lines, covering the area in a grid-like pattern.
Key Features of Fieldwalking:
- Surveying the Ground: Fieldwalking typically occurs in open agricultural fields, where artifacts may be exposed due to natural erosion or ploughing. Field walkers look for artifacts that are visible on the surface, which can provide clues to past human activities.
- Recording Finds: As artifacts are located, they are carefully collected and logged in a systematic manner. This data is later used for analysis, helping to form hypotheses about past settlement patterns, trade routes, or ritual sites.
Health and Safety in Fieldwalking
Fieldwalking is generally a safe activity, but there are important health and safety considerations to keep in mind to ensure everyone’s wellbeing during the process.
Appropriate Footwear: Wear sturdy boots or shoes to protect your feet from rough or uneven ground, and to reduce the risk of sprains or falls.
Protective Clothing: Depending on the terrain, wear weather-appropriate clothing, such as sun protection for hot days and waterproofs for wet conditions. In areas with tall grass, consider wearing long trousers to avoid scratches and insect bites.
Stay Hydrated: Fieldwalking can be physically demanding, especially during warm months. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Be Aware of Wildlife and Hazards: Always be aware of potential hazards like wild animals, open pits, or sharp tools that might be exposed. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of local plant life that could cause allergic reactions, such as poison ivy or nettles.
Buddy System: Ideally, fieldwalking should be done in groups, with at least one other person. This ensures safety, especially when covering large areas, and makes it easier to communicate any potential hazards.
Why Fieldwalking is Valuable for Archaeology
Fieldwalking can be one of the most efficient ways to gather initial data about a site and is often a starting point for more detailed investigations. Here’s why it’s so important:
Identifying New Sites: Fieldwalking can help archaeologists discover new sites that might not be visible on the surface. Finds of pottery, flint, or even human remains can provide immediate clues to the location of past settlements.
Mapping Distribution of Artifacts: By walking in a systematic way, fieldwalking allows archaeologists to map the distribution of artifacts over large areas. This distribution can indicate the extent of a settlement, trade routes, or areas of specific activity, like workshops or burial sites.
Long-term Data Collection: When fieldwalking is done regularly over long periods, it can provide valuable data about changes in the landscape or artifact deposition patterns. Periodic surveys in the same area allow researchers to track shifts in artifact density, which may be related to agricultural practices, climate change, or the rise and fall of ancient civilizations.
Fieldwalking as Part of Organised Activities
While fieldwalking can be a rewarding activity for those with an interest in archaeology, it is crucial to do so as part of an organised archaeological activity. This ensures that the data gathered is properly recorded and entered into a maintained archive for future study.
- Data Recording: Every artifact collected during fieldwalking should be documented, including details like the location, depth, and context of the find. This information is crucial for understanding the archaeological significance of the site.
- Maintained Archives: When data is entered into an organised archive, it becomes part of a larger body of work, helping to ensure that it can be referenced, analysed, and preserved for future research. This also ensures that discoveries are not lost to time and can be viewed within the larger archaeological narrative.
Small Finds Service: If you are fieldwalking independently and come across artifacts, the Small Finds Service provides a way for individuals to record their finds with local authorities or archaeological organisations. You’ll be guided through the process of documenting the item’s context and significance, ensuring that it’s properly entered into public records.
Permission and Legal Considerations
Fieldwalking should never be done without permission. Many sites, especially those with known archaeological significance, are protected by law and may require written consent from landowners or local authorities before any archaeological work is carried out. Unauthorized fieldwalking can be damaging to the site and may violate heritage protection laws.
Always Seek Permission: Before heading out, make sure you have the necessary permissions from landowners, local authorities, or heritage bodies. This ensures that your activity is legal and won’t disrupt ongoing Preservation efforts.
Respect Boundaries: Always respect the boundaries of the land and avoid areas that may be sensitive or restricted for environmental or cultural reasons.
Fieldwalking: A Breakthrough Example
One of the most notable breakthroughs that resulted from fieldwalking was the discovery of the prehistoric settlement at the site of Rillaton Barrow, Cornwall, where a golden burial hoard was uncovered. The settlement, revealed by fieldwalking over several years, provided new insights into the Bronze Age and highlighted the critical role of field surveys in understanding ancient trade routes and societal organization.
The discovery of the Rillaton Hoard from fieldwalking provided evidence of how archaeological techniques like this can bring valuable information to light, adding to the narrative of Britain’s early civilizations. (Source: The British Museum, Rillaton Barrow and its Hoard)
Conclusion
Fieldwalking is a powerful tool in the archaeologist’s toolbox, offering an easy yet effective way to gather data about the landscape, track changes over time, and potentially uncover hidden sites and features. By doing it periodically and in an organised manner, fieldwalking can contribute significantly to our understanding of the past.
However, safety, legal permissions, and organized data collection should always be prioritized. Whether you are a seasoned archaeologist or someone with a keen interest in history, fieldwalking can be an enriching activity when conducted responsibly. The integration of your finds into a well-maintained archive ensures that your contributions are part of a larger, ongoing effort to preserve and understand our shared history.