On this episode of the PastCast, archaeologist Claire Walton discusses life at her unusual office: Butser Ancient Farm, where she can turn up to work to find that a goat has escaped or that the weather has torn away some of the buildings.

Located in the Hampshire South Downs, the experimental archaeology centre at Butser explores the past by engaging with ancient tools and building techniques. The latest addition to the site is a reconstructed Neolithic House, based on excavations by Wessex Archaeology in Horton. Claire discusses the complex construction process, as well as life on the farm in general: the weather, the animals, and the wonders of the natural environment. She is interviewed by PastCast presenter, Calum Henderson.

You can read Claire’s article on the Neolithic House at Butser in the latest issue of Current Archaeology magazine, out on 1 July. Subscribers to The Past can read it before the magazine hits the newsstands, and can also access loads of extra content, include fascinating archive material on experimental archaeology.

Claire also discusses Butser Plus, a new website launched during the pandemic to allow visitors to explore the work of the farm remotely. Be sure to check that out too.

The Past brings together the most exciting stories and the very best writing from the realms of history, archaeology, heritage, and the ancient world. You can subscribe to The Past today for just £7.99. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking it, subscribing, and sharing it around.