FenArch – the Fenland Archaeological Society was formed after the highly successful Community Archaeology excavation at Wisbech Castle during September 2009.
The excavation was managed by Oxford Archaeology East in conjunction with Cambridgeshire County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. FenArch (formerly known as the Wisbech and District Archaeological Society) sought to build on the enthusiasm and interest generated by the dig to provide further opportunities for participation in Community Archaeology across Fenland.From the outset our aim has been to fully record and report our excavations and seek professional guidance wherever necessary. We use pro forma recording sheets, draw the trenches/pits onto permatrace and take digital photos. We are affiliated to the Council for British Archaeology and have full Public Liability Insurance.We have also affiliated to the JIGSAW Community Archaeology project which is a joint venture between Cambridgeshire County Council and Oxford Archaeology East, Fenarch has access to professionally run courses and archaeological items, including specialist geophys equipment. As well as organising actual digs FenArch meets regularly to conduct society business and on occasions present guest speakers and/or demonstrations with an archaeological theme.FenArch also arranges fieldwalking on possible archaeological sites and days out to places of interest around the region such as Flag Fen.