The turf is removed
The first trenches have been de-turfed and the test trenches dug in the year 2000 discovered.
Terram — a breathable membrane a tell-tale sign of the test trench from 2000
- Ready to peel back the terram to find the sand
The breathable membrane was put on top of yellow sand that sits on the mosaic. Seventeen years ago it was thought to be a good way to protect the mosaics and make it easy to re dig if checking on its condition. The problem is that the sand is builders sand and stays wet and the yellow colour can stain the white tesserae, it sticks to the surface of the mosaic and takes a lot of work to clean it off.
Ta Dar! we have a lovely mosaic in very good condition, hopefully this bodes well for the rest of the room and we will have much more to show you over the next few days.
Archaeology National Trust SW 
What site is this? The blog entry doesnt say!
Sorry it was a follow on from the previous post, I have updated it now so it will say Chedworth Villa. We will be posting from the dig at Chedworth everyday for the next three weeks 😊
All very exciting, so very much looking forward to seeing & reading all about the dig as it progresses
Jackie