Natasha Billson - Archaeologist,
Public Historian & TV Presenter

Bridging the past and present through bold storytelling
— from excavation to broadcast

I’m Natasha Billson — an archaeologist, historian, presenter, content creator, and media producer with 10+ years of experience in the cultural heritage sector. I specialise in public archaeology, heritage communication, and digital storytelling, using my field knowledge and on-camera skills to bring buried histories to life. (U.S. I Media Visa holder)

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I’m on a mission to make archaeology and history accessible, inclusive, and diverse —

amplifying hidden voices, celebrating shared heritage, and engaging new audiences through powerful storytelling.

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Between 2013 and 2021, I worked as a commercial field archaeologist on major urban and rural infrastructure projects throughout the UK. Since 2021, I've shifted into public-facing archaeology, combining hands-on excavation with impactful media to connect new audiences to the past. I worked on archaeological projects and excavations with local teams in Barbados, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Russia, and Ukraine.

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I hold a BSc in Archaeology from Bournemouth University (2013) and an MA in History from St Mary's University, Twickenham (2024). This fall, I will be undertaking PhD research at Westminster Abbey, exploring monastic architecture and ecclesiastical medieval England.

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You may know me as the co-presenter of Channel 4's community-based archaeology show The Great British Dig with Hugh Dennis or from Relative Secrets with Jane Seymour (Acorn TV / BBC America) - an unscripted genealogy-meets-true-crime series. I also appear as an expert contributor in international documentaries, including Mysteries from Above (Cottage Life/Discovery) and Oops! I Changed This World (Curiosity Stream), as well as award-nominated series such as the Canada Screen Award-nominated Cursed Histories and Revolutions That Changed History, nominated at the Yorkton Film Festival.

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I’m the creator and host of Behind the Trowel — a podcast spotlighting powerful stories from archaeologists and historians around the world. I also produce historical content for cultural heritage organisations, such as the British Museum and Visit Morocco, as well as my channels, where I share behind-the-scenes archaeology, discoveries, art, history, and cultural trips with a growing global audience.

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In 2022, I co-founded Heritage Media Group, a creative studio that collaborates with influencers, museums, universities, tourism boards, and broadcasters. We produce high-quality video, documentary, and social media content for the heritage and archaeology sectors.

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I also offer:

• Media training for academics, archaeologists, and museum staff — helping you communicate confidently on camera and in public talks.

• Marketing strategy and social media campaigns for commercial archaeology units, museums, and tourism boards — designed to grow audiences and increase engagement across digital platforms.

• Directing and producing excavation documentaries, educational videos, and content for heritage exhibitions and public outreach.

 

My passion is giving voice to those working behind the scenes in cultural heritage. Whether I'm on camera or behind it, my mission is to make archaeology visible, relevant, and exciting for everyone.

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​Whether I’m on camera, behind the lens, on-site, or on stage, my goal is to spark curiosity

and inspire a deeper appreciation of our shared human past — one story at a time.

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My official social media accounts for @Tash_Archaeo / Behind The Trowel:

Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/tash_archaeo/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tash_archaeo

( inactive - https://www.facebook.com/tasharchaeology/ )

​YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BehindtheTrowel

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/behindthetrowel

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behindthetrowel/

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