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XArch Project and Hartland Community Excavation

The Warren, May 2008

After an extensive geophysical survey conducted by XArch, Hartland Society and members of North Devon Archaeological Society, May 2008 saw the first archaeological excavation in The Warren, Hartland. The geophysical survey has revealed a wealth of archaeology lying beneath the soil (for more details of the survey, follow this link). To encourage the local community to become more involved in discovering the history and archaeology of Hartland, it was decided to conducted a week long community excavation that focused both on the archaeology and attracting local people, both young and old, to join in and have some fun. Overall we had 24 local volunteers, 60 children and many visitors who joined the XArch team that consisted of Penny Cunningham, Sam Walls, Wendy Howard and Becky Miller.

The volunteers consisted of both experienced and first time excavators, all of whom were trained in all aspects of archaeological excavation. A 15m x 3m trench was opened to catch a number of anomalies and the end of a long elongated feature discovered during the geophysical survey. Lots of pottery of various ages and flint was found in the top soil located at the western end of the trench, but surprisingly, all other features, were devoid of finds. The excavation revealed a number of features, including a track way located at the eastern end of the trench, and a small shallow pit and a single post hole located at the western end (a full report will be available soon).

Children from the Small School helping Wendy excavate the eastern end of the trench and Becky explaining how prehistoric pots where made.

XArch also invited children from Hartland Primary School, Hartland Small School, the local cub scout group and young adults from The Ivy Project based in Exeter, to join us for an afternoon. Whilst on site, the children had the opportunity to excavate, make prehistoric style pottery, handle and draw finds (from Barnstaple Museum) and help conducted a survey. This gave XArch the opportunity to work with local children who had no previous experience of an archaeological excavation and who, one day, will be the custodians of Hartland's heritage.

Hartland Primary School helping Penny to identify some artifacts and Hartland and District Cub Scout Group learning to survey using GPS