South Gloucestershire Council has been awarded a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop a project which aims to get local communities involved in archaeology.
The HLF has given £21,000 towards the establishment of the South Gloucestershire Community Archaeology Research Project (SCARP). The award will be used to help establish community groups and to train members of these groups in techniques normally employed by archaeologists, including desk-based studies, geophysics and earthwork surveys. This project will encourage involvement in the historic environment, whilst providing basic archaeological skills to groups through workshops and in the field training.
The developmental phase of SCARP begins this summer with a pilot project involving Southern Brooks Archaeology – an organisation formed from the history societies of Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford, Patchway and Filton. These groups have come together to survey two sites, one a potential medieval settlement, the other a potential Roman site. The results of their work will be available to see at the Discover Your Past event being held at Little Stoke Park, Stoke Gifford on Sunday 18 July, which is part of the Festival of British Archaeology.
Cllr Brian Allison, executive member for planning, transport and the built environment, said: “The project is a fantastic opportunity to get communities involved in heritage in a practical and fulfilling way. It will help to create a network of groups who will contribute to a better understanding of our past in South Gloucestershire.”
Explaining the importance of the award Simon Timms, Chair of the HLF Committee for the South West, said
“This project has real potential to give local people the chance to get involved in archaeology. By working alongside experienced archaeologists, they would be able to learn new skills and discover more about the heritage on their doorstep.
“Although HLF funding for this initial development phase does not guarantee that a full second-round award will be made, HLF is ready to offer the council advice in working up their detailed grant application.”
For further information please contact:
Paul Driscoll, Community Archaeology Officer, Natural and Built Environment section at South Gloucestershire Council on 01454862175 or email paul.driscoll@southglos.gov.uk
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
