Blogger: Rachael Murray, Media Officer
Archaeologists from the University of Cambridge have teamed up with the RSPB and local communities to hunt for the remains of a lost wetland paradise between 01 and 10 June.
Funded by a University of Cambridge Knowledge Transfer grant, this exciting project will combine excavation and scientific study of Willingham Mere, a drained prehistoric lake, and provide an opportunity for local people to find out more about hidden history on their doorstep. Volunteers can expect to excavate preserved plant remains, fallen prehistoric forests and animal skeletons from this renowned former fenland lake to help understand the region’s environmental history from over 3,000 years ago.
Christopher Evans, Director of the Cambridge Archaeological Unit, says of the programme: “This is a really exciting partnership. Besides giving the public a unique opportunity to directly engage with ‘deep time-depth’ and wetland environmental change, it should prove good muddy fun! Just below the surface of this agricultural field are hidden secrets – the deeply buried plant and animal remains can be amazingly well preserved even though they are 3 or 4,000 years old.”
RSPB Archaeologist, Robin Standring, said: “One of the most amazing discoveries from recent digging in the nearby quarries has been the bones of the giant Dalmatian pelican which is long extinct in the UK as well as remains from species including bittern, marsh harrier and beavers. These species would have been living at nature-rich Willingham Mere 2,000 years ago and we hope to find more of them during our dig.
The excavation is located off the B1050 between Willingham and Earith and can be visited between 01 and 10 June between 10.30am and 4pm. Daily tours run at 11am and 2pm, and for those not able to visit, there will be a public lecture and display of finds at Willingham’s Baptist Church on 02 June, at 7:30pm.
We are keen to hear from members of the public that would like to volunteer to do some digging. Interested individuals are required to register in advance by calling us on 01954 233260. Once the dig has started call 07917 841217 for further information.
RSPB-Hanson Wetland Project. Credit: Adam Murray (RSPB)