Garden digs to find 'hidden history under our feet'

Archaeologists and volunteers will begin a series of digs in gardens and public spaces this weekend in bid to find historic artefacts in Charnwood Forest.

The digs are being led by Prof Carenza Lewis, from the University of Lincoln, in collaboration with University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) and Charnwood Forest Geopark.

Dozens of "test pits" will be dug in Newtown Linford on 2 and 3 May, Stanton-Under-Bardon on 16 and 17 May, and Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves on 4 and 5 July.

Previous digs in Rothley, Anstey, and Whitwick uncovered pottery and flint tools, ULAS said.

The findings are used to help inform how the villages developed over time.

Each pit will be 1m by 1m in size - and no deeper than 1m.

"They will be carefully excavated layer-by-layer with soil and turf re-laid at the end of each weekend," a spokesperson said.

ULAS project officer Matthew Morris said it was a "brilliant method" to "explore the hidden history beneath our gardens".

"And [it fills] in the gaps in the stories of our villages, including the impact of major events such as the Norman Conquest and the Black Death," he said.

Morris added volunteers were still being sought for the digs at Stanton-Under-Bardon and Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves.

"You don't need any previous archaeological experience and all ages and abilities are welcome," he said.

"There's plenty to do, from digging test pits to washing and recording the finds."

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