The National Trust and Cambria Archaeology are looking for volunteers to help with the exciting excavation of a recently discovered Roman Fort in south-west Wales.

The outstanding site was first discovered during an archaeological survey carried out in 2003 and further investigations over the last few weeks, using geophysical survey techniques, has confirmed the existence of two overlapping Roman forts, almost certainly dating to the first century AD.

The later fort was surrounded by an impressive set of defences equivalent in size to two rugby pitches sitting side by side. However the earlier fort is even bigger and could be the largest garisson fort ever found in Wales.

The National Trust now plans to undertake a trial excavation of the site for three weeks from Monday 27 June to Friday 15 July.

Gwilym Hughes of Cambria Archaeology, which is undertaking the archaeological work in partnership with the National Trust, says: "The discovery could transform our understanding of the Roman conquest of south-west Wales and our intention is to determine the character of the buried archaeology through this work. Although we can tell a lot from the geophysical survey, excavation will provide the critical dating evidence from items such as coins and pottery that may confirm when the forts were built and abandoned.

“It's a unique opportunity for people who would like to gain some training in archaeological techniques to take part in the excitement of a discovery. We would welcome individuals who are considering pursuing archaeology as a career and would like to gain some practical experience, but would also like to hear from those already familiar with archaeological excavation who might also like to participate."

"We're looking for people to spend at least one week working with us and we're also offering the opportunity for people who just want to 'have a go' to join us on two afternoons for a 2-3 hour session but places are limited."

Emma Plunkett Dillon, Archaeologist for the National Trust in Wales says: "At Dinefwr we appear to have one of the most significant Roman archaeological landscapes in Wales preserved under the turf and invisible on the surface. The forts are shown to be associated with roads, a civilian settlement and a possible bathhouse and the quality of the results is remarkable. The site has the potential to enhance and possibly rewrite our understanding of the Roman conquest of Wales. This excavation will hopefully answer the many questions that we are now asking as a result of this remarkable discovery."

Channel 4's Time Team will be filming live from the excavation on the nights of the 2nd and 3rd July as part of their 'Big Roman Dig' week. There will also be two public open days, on Saturday the 9th and Saturday 16th of July.

The archaeological excavation is being undertaken by Cambria Archaeology in partnership with The National Trust and is part of an extensive project to restore the historic landscape of Dinefwr Park and Castle. The project is a partnership between the National Trust, The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Cadw and is funded by The Welsh Assembly Government (European Objective 1 Fund), the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Trust.