charnwood community archaeology dig
Charnwood Forest residents can come face to face with the history beneath their feet with two community digs taking place in May.
University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) are partnering with Charnwood Forest Geopark and Professor Carenza Lewis (University of Lincoln and Time Team) to help uncover Charnwood Forest's hidden histories.
Guided by ULAS and Professor Lewis, volunteers from Newtown Linford,and Stanton-Under-Bardon will dig dozens of test pits in private gardens and public spaces across the two villages.
Each community dig will take place over a weekend. The dates for each village are:
Newtown Linford - Saturday 2nd May and Sunday 3rd May
Stanton-Under-Bardon - Saturday 16th May and Sunday 17th May
Each pit will be just 1 metre square and no deeper than 1 metre. They will be carefully excavated layer by layer with soil and turf re-laid at the end of each weekend.
Previous digs in Rothley, Anstey and Whitwick uncovered fascinating finds like pottery and flint tools shedding new light on how the villages developed over time.
Mathew Morris, Project Officer at University of Leicester Archaeological Services, said: “Test pitting is a brilliant method for explore the hidden history beneath our gardens and filling in the gaps in the stories of our villages, including the impact of major events such as the Norman Conquest and the Black Death.
“It’s also a really fun way to spend a weekend with family, friends and neighbours! If you want to get your hands dirty and get involved in an archaeological project you can join us on one of our digs. You don’t need any previous archaeological experience and all ages and abilities are welcome.
“We’re still looking for volunteers, particularly for the digs at Stanton Under Bardon in May and in the Woodhouses in July, there’s plenty to do, from digging test pits to washing and recording the finds.”