Defence Infrastructure Senior Archaeologist Richard Osgood led an Op Nightingale Dig at a site in Aldbourne, Wiltshire which has significant links to the preparations for the D-Day landings. The dig, which aligns with the 80th anniversary year of D-Day landings, …
It’s been a busy year for us at DIO. From supporting the Coronation of King Charles III to supplying more than 20,000kg of turkey to Armed Forces personnel over Christmas, our teams have been working hard to help our Armed …
A team of archaeologists and volunteers has just finished excavating part of a 2,500-year-old Iron Age hillfort on Lulworth Training Area. The impressively sited Flower’s Barrow hillfort is sadly being lost to the sea due to coastal erosion due to its …
I’ve been running Operation Nightingale archaeological digs now for more than ten years. It’s an initiative to assist the recovery of wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans by getting them involved in archaeological investigations. It’s always a real …
The element of secrecy and security that surround most Ministry of Defence sites lends them an air of mystery. A result of this is that many of them are also associated with urban myths – some more believable than others.
Today, marked the official launch of my new book on 'Exercise Beowulf' which covers years of excavation work at Barrow Clump.
On the 3rd December, I attended the annual MOD Sanctuary Awards and as we come to the end of the Year of Green Action, it was a great time to reflect on our responsibility to preserve and nurture our estate.
Archaeology in DIO is unique compared to any other organisation. The MOD owns about 1% of the UK mainland and is responsible for preserving, protecting and maintaining 777 Scheduled Monuments.
The Sanctuary Awards celebrates biodiversity, conservation and energy efficiency projects across the defence estate. Learn more about the 2018 winners and runners up and how they are promoting these issues.
Dickie Bennett, a retired Royal Marines Commando, explains his relationship with Operation Nightingale and how it has changed his life.