News Release

28 October 2024

Diggers for a Day!

For one week last September over 70 children from Long Melford and Hartest C of E Primary Schools were given the opportunity to become archaeologists for a day through taking part in an ‘archaeological dig’ in the school grounds, organised by Long Melford Heritage Trust’s archaeological team in collaboration with the local school and its parents’ association (FLUMPS).

A six-metre square trench was prepared on the school’s playing field during the summer vacation. Although most archaeology in Long Melford is encountered at depth, for practical reasons the site was relatively shallow. However, it was prepared so as to replicate the real thing, with layers representing age, real artefacts and simulated building features.

The exercise was designed to provide a stimulating, active learning adventure for the children, complementing their KS2 topic, The Romans, and helping them to interact with their local landscape and history. “As they picked up their trowels, the excitement in the air was palpable!” said Kenneth Dodd, lead archaeologist and trustee. Students gained firsthand experience of excavating, sifting, cleaning and examination of finds, all conducted in a controlled and supportive environment. LMHT excavators were on hand to guide students through the process. Amanda Woolner, Headteacher, said: “We are very grateful to Long Melford Heritage Trust for giving our children such an amazing opportunity to participate in an archaeological dig. Through the dig, our children’s learning has been greatly enriched. The Romans is no longer about invaders from Italy, it is about people who lived in our village 2,000 years ago and worked in the same places as the children, even on the site of our school. We now have children who have announced that they want to be an archaeologist when they are older!”

Since this event, LMHT has heard that it has been shortlisted for the Council for British Archaeology Archaeological Achievement Awards 2024 in the category of Learning, Training and Skills. The Awards celebrate exceptional contributions to the field of archaeology across the UK and Ireland. The Trust’s, Junior Archaeologist Excavation Experience, was recognised for innovation, community involvement and education in archaeology.

“We are thrilled to have our efforts acknowledged by the Archaeological Achievement Awards. This nomination is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team – all volunteers – and the positive impact we strive to make in the local community and the field of archaeology,” said Kenneth Dodd. LMHT has recently conducted a series of excavations which, along with research and geophysical surveys, have dramatically changed the understanding of the ancient history of Long Melford.