A fourth and final season of archaeological excavations will take place this summer on the site of a large Roman bath house at Barcombe, near Lewes.

The investigations are part of a joint project by the Centre for Community Engagement (CCE) and the Mid Sussex Field Archaeology Team.

This work will investigate an area of the site which is believed to contain a cold plunge bath and associated rooms. Previous excavations have revealed various heated rooms, stoke-holes and a large drainage ditch that surrounds the complex.

The site, which dates to the second and third centuries, is in Church Field, adjacent to the location of the Roman winged-corridor villa that the team excavated between 2001 and 2007.

During July and August the project will include various short CCE training courses. They will cover excavation techniques; surveying; 'geoarchaeology in detail'; planning and section drawing; and site photography for archaeologists.

All courses are suitable for beginners or those with some experience, eg (minimum age 16) prospective archaeology students, amateur archaeologists, undergraduates, etc. For further information, call ext. 8300, email cce@sussex.ac.uk or see the CCE web pages. 

You can also be part of the project by undertaking volunteering work at Barcombe, either on Saturdays as members of the Mid Sussex Field Archaeological Team or during weekday blocks during the period of the CCE training courses. 

"This is an excellent example of the University working with the local community," says David Rudling from CCE.

He adds: "Don't just watch [Channel 4 TV programme] Time Team - these are opportunities to get actively involved in archaeology!"

There will also be an open afternoon from 1pm to 5pm on Sunday 31 July, forming part of the Festival of British Archaeology and the BBC's Hands on History project.