Archaeological digs are set to begin this spring in several villages within Charnwood Forest, Leicestershire, offering residents a chance to uncover the hidden history beneath their gardens. The project, a collaboration between the University of Lincoln, University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) and Charnwood Forest Geopark, aims to shed light on the area’s settlement patterns from the end of the Roman period through the Domesday survey of 1086.
The initiative will involve volunteers excavating “test pits” – one meter by one meter and no deeper than one meter – in Newtown Linford (May 2nd and 3rd), Stanton-Under-Bardon (May 16th and 17th), and Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves (July 4th and 5th). Participants will carefully excavate the pits layer by layer, with the soil and turf being re-laid after each weekend of digging, according to a spokesperson.
Uncovering Charnwood’s Past
Professor Carenza Lewis of the University of Lincoln, known for her work on the television program Time Team, is leading the digs. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Previous community excavations carried out between 2014 and 2016 in Anstey, Whitwick, and Rothley uncovered thousands of artifacts dating from the Mesolithic period to the modern era, providing new insights into the development of these villages.
According to ULAS project officer Matthew Morris, the digs represent a “brilliant method” to “explore the hidden history beneath our gardens” and to “fill in the gaps in the stories of our villages, including the impact of major events such as the Norman Conquest and the Black Death.”
The Charnwood Forest Geopark is organizing the project, and organizers are still seeking volunteers for the Stanton-Under-Bardon and Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves digs. No prior archaeological experience is necessary, and people of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Volunteers can contribute by digging test pits, washing artifacts, and recording findings.
A Gap in Historical Knowledge
Researchers emphasize that understanding of settlement in Charnwood Forest is limited, particularly between the end of the Roman period and the Domesday survey in 1086. The digs aim to address this gap by determining when and how settlements appeared in the forest and how they evolved over time. The test pit excavation method allows for a focused investigation of specific locations without requiring extensive, disruptive excavation.
The initiative combines archaeological research with hands-on learning and community engagement. Organizers have planned local drop-in meetings, excavation weekends, and find-sorting sessions to facilitate participation and foster a sense of connection to the area’s history. Those interested in volunteering can contact dig.charnwood@leicester.ac.uk for more information.
The project builds on the success of the Charnwood Roots Project, which uncovered a wealth of artifacts in nearby villages, demonstrating the potential for community-based archaeology to reveal valuable historical information. The upcoming digs promise to add further layers to the understanding of Charnwood Forest’s rich and complex past.