Hello,
How are you? How has your day been? Today has been quite fun and lovely at SERF
field-school. Because I and a couple of people signed up for ‘walkover survey’
for our portfolios, we went to the area around Baadhead farm and Rossie Law
fort. If you do not know what ‘walkover survey’ is, it is one of the techniques
archaeologists use to identify features in the landscape. It involves walking
over the surface of the land in groups of people with the gap of certain meters
from each other and advance through the landscape at a manageable speed to
allow time for the identification of potential archaeological and/or historical
importance. I chose walkover survey because it makes me feel like I am part of
a crime investigative or search and rescue team. It is a pleasure to examine
and explore the landscape and to record and draw those which are of
archaeological importance. Since not many people signed up for this, there were
only four of us who took advantage of the knowledge of our supervisor/ trainer
hence, we inquired and further asked him. Today’s weather was not really
pleasant. It was rainy, windy, and very wet. This made the area to which we
surveyed very boggy. Further, there were so many manures all over the place as
the area is a farm and pasture land. However, do not worry, do not be put off
just because I have told you we practiced in a pasture land. I am sure there
are differing places to do walkover survey depending on the research goal.
Spending time with the other three people today was also a
great opportunity to get to know them and work with them. Drawing and recording
the two features we thought should be of significance at the height of the rainy
day is quite an experience! Also, doing the toilet on the way was quite an experience
which I shall never forget as it taught me not to drink too much water before
walkover survey as you will tend to move away from civilization. On the
positive side, this is one of the reasons why you should do walkover survey as
it will take you to areas not occasionally visited by people. Consequently, we
had a fantastic view over Rossie Law hill and had a break at a farmstead ruin
which is irreplaceable! I hope I have convinced you about doing walkover survey
sometime in the future! My advice would be to always have waterproofs and check
weather forecasts. Moreover, be prepared to do the toilet in the middle of a
field, hill, etc. ^-^
Warmest Regards,
Sophia C.
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