Butser Ancient Farm

United Kingdom

Chalton Lane, Chalton
Waterlooville, Hampshire
PO8 0BG

Member since: 2006

Focus area: Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman Era, Early Middle Ages

Butser Ancient Farm is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to education and research in experimental archaeology. Founded to explore ancient farming practices and animal husbandry through practical experimentation, the farm was conceived by Colin Bowen and led by Dr. Peter J. Reynolds. His groundbreaking work gained international recognition and inspired similar projects across Europe, including long-term agricultural studies in Spain and Hungary.
Since its early days, Butser has evolved into a thriving centre for archaeological reconstruction and public engagement. All buildings on-site are based on archaeological evidence and reconstructed using traditional materials and techniques. These structures help us test theories about ancient technologies, lifestyles, and construction methods, bringing the past to life through hands-on learning and experimentation.
We welcome both the public and educational groups year-round, offering events and workshops that connect people with ancient history in engaging and memorable ways.
What We Do:
• Educational Outreach: Over 35,000 schoolchildren visit annually, participating in practical, curriculum-linked activities that bring the past to life.
• Historic Reconstructions: Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings from the Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, and Anglo-Saxon periods during special open days.
• Academic Collaborations: We work closely with universities and field archaeologists, particularly UCL’s Institute of Archaeology.
• Student Training: Regular work experience and training opportunities are available for students and young people interested in archaeology and heritage.
• Environmental Stewardship: The farm supports rare breed animals and a diverse range of local wildlife.
• Community Events: From storytelling and Celtic festivals to concerts and historical re-enactments, we host a wide variety of public events.
• Craft Workshops: Our comprehensive workshop programme teaches and preserves ancient skills and techniques.
• Volunteering: A dedicated team of volunteers supports many aspects of the farm’s work.
• Social Impact: We partner with local charities to provide nature- and heritage-based activities for socially isolated individuals and groups.
• Filming Location: The farm regularly features in film and television, including Horrible Histories: The Movie (2019) and Sky TV’s Britannia.

Happy to receive museum colleagues to visit and learn from our experience in the following topics:

Education, Public engagement, Volunteer team management

Looking for practitioners and living history demonstrators with skills in the following

Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman Era, Viking Age

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