SWAAG is a group of enthusiasts in the northernmost Yorkshire dales who are contributing to the knowledge base of the history of our dales through archaeological and related activity.

SWAAG, affiliated with the Swaledale Museum, began work in July 2009 under the guidance and supervision of Tim Laurie FSA, the leading expert on prehistoric landscapes in the area.

Our work programme covers a wide range of activities: desk-top research on documents, Google Earth, aerial and site photographs; site surveying, mapping and drawing; linking geology to historic land use; recording ancient and relict vegetation and trees; field-walking; excavation; recording and analysis of finds and publishing reports.

Our first survey focused on a group of previously unrecorded Iron Age/Romano-British settlements in Swaledale. We have surveyed two other multi-period sites and commissioned a geophysical survey on the spectacular site of Maiden Castle. We plan over time to study a wide range of sites from prehistoric through Romano-British to medieval and lead mining. Please explore the website for our archaeological report, Tim Laurie’s publications, photographs and records of wonderful trees and fungi, and general Historic Environment Records.

SWAAG welcomes new members. Please see the membership form on the website. Our walks and meetings are open to all, so please come along to see if you would like to join us.

Remember, if you are interested in research, surveying, mapping and drawing, excavation, finds analysis, botany, geology or just walking beautiful countryside year-round, please contact us using the contact page or complete and return the Membership Form. You can find more membership information here.

Peter