National archaeology week. 16 – 24 July

Forget boring beach breaks, how about digging for bones?

As the summer sets in how about exchanging your luxury hotel for a cave house or trading in Marbella beach for the dry austere Guadix-Baza basin in Southern Spain? Tempted? International charity Earthwatch is looking for people who are willing to get their hands dirty in an effort to reconstruct Europe 1.7 million years ago!

Earthwatch teams have dedicated the last four years to collecting evidence of early human activity in Europe, but they need the help of volunteers to continue their research.

The answers lie in the Orce region of Andalusia where human remains, parts of elephants and hippos, together with evidence of human tools have been discovered. They provide the oldest evidence of human presence in Western Europe, making this site an exceptional place to study the story of early man.

"Participation on the project is a unique experience that can bring great personal satisfaction and enjoyment." says leading paleontologist Dr. Josep Gibert Clols. "The number of Earthwatch volunteers joining archaeology related projects has almost tripled in the last five years; this is evidence that more and more people want to actively collaborate to unearth our history."

All budding palaeontologists, skilled and unskilled, are invited to help uncover the past. Full excavation training will be given and volunteers stay in their own private caves, located at the margin of the basin and surrounded by high mountains. Each cave provides comfortable conditions, running water and hot showers.

The cost is £1,190, which covers all food, accommodation and training.

For more information please visit www.earthwatch.org/europe or call 01865 318831.

For press information please contact Zoe Gamble, Press Officer, zgamble@earthwatch.org.uk / 01865 318806

Download the expedition briefing (pdf)

EDITORS NOTES

Photo Credits (top to bottom):  © Lynn Beardwoo; © Rekha Methratta / EWI