Dig the Castle benefits from volunteer professional archaeologists in collaboration with community leadership.

Project Director, Dig the Castle

Emily is a commercial archaeologist and heritage consultant with seventeen years experience in the construction, architecture, and planning sectors, with specialist expertise in historic building survey and recording, heritage consultancy, archaeological assessments, and visual impact studies for sustainable energy projects. Alongside her professional work, Emily is a dedicated community heritage volunteer and leader, delivering multiple projects across Torridge and North Devon. As an independent researcher, Emily also active in public archaeology, engagement, and education, and has participated in events across Europe through the European Association of Archaeologists. 

Archaeological co-lead, Dig the Castle

Donal is a heritage professional with almost 20 years’ experience across the planning process, including major projects up to Development Consent Orders. Passionate about social value, he focuses on using heritage and archaeology to enhance quality of life and support place-making.

His expertise spans infrastructure, utilities, public realm, renewables, and residential developments, where he acts as Heritage Lead on complex projects, managing heritage project teams, engaging stakeholders, and providing strategic input to masterplanning.

One of Donal's main research interests is the use of immersive technologies and video games for archaeological outreach and visualisation.

Archaeological co-lead, Dig the Castle

Belinda completed her PhD in Biological Anthropology and Pathology at Exeter. She is an expert in human bones analysis, with specialisms in juvenile osteology and pathology. 

At the Royal College of Surgeons, she worked to provide descriptions differential diagnoses for a unique skeletal pathology collection in preparation for its use in teaching and research. She worked with technicians and pathologists to assess, correct and repair the conservation state of skeletal remains. Within the globally-acclaimed Çatalhöyük Research Project, she worked with specialist international teams to excavate and analyse human remains, providing on-site training to students. 

Belinda provides ongoing consultation support for Dig the Castle focusing on osteological analysis, reporting and excavation support. 

Archaeological co-lead, Dig the Castle

Aisling completed her PhD in Historical Archaeology at Bristol alongside 9 years of teaching courses across Anthropology and Archaeology at Bristol and at the Cultural Heritage Institute (RAU). She has conducted archaeological fieldwork in the UK, Ireland, Albania, Greece and the USA. 

Aisling is an experienced Higher Education professional with specialisms in curriculum development and teaching and learning practice (including sustainability, AI, co-production, and qualitative research methods). She is a member of many institutional, national and international research groups such as: the Heritage and Wellbeing national working group for English Heritage; European Society for Environmental History; Council for British Archaeology; and the European Digital Education Hub.

Aisling also created our project colouring book and the many illustrations you will find on this website!