Community Archaeology at Harmony Woods Andover

Between the Barrows

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT

If you’re new to the project, Between the Barrows is a hands-on community archaeology dig that invites local people of all ages to take part in real archaeological research.

Founded in 2016 by Andover Trees United in collaboration with archaeologist Chris Elmer and the University of Southampton, the initiative was created to reconnect the community with the prehistoric landscape surrounding Andover and, in particular, the community wood. What began as small school workshops supported by the local community has grown into a nationally recognised excavation programme where:

  • Schoolchildren learn excavation skills alongside professional archaeologists

  • Volunteers work directly on active research trenches

  • Families explore local heritage through talks, tours, and practical activities

  • Real discoveries contribute to academic understanding of the Bronze Age

This isn’t a re-enactment or demonstration dig - it’s genuine archaeological research, led by experts and powered by the community.

Unearthing a 4,000-Year-Old Story

This summer marked our ninth excavation season in Harmony Woods. Led by Dr. Chris Elmer, supported by Dr. Alex Walker and geophysicist Dominic Barker, the 2026 team again focused their efforts on tracing the Bronze Age ditch surrounding a long-lost burial mound - a barrow flattened by centuries of agriculture but silently lying beneath the soil.

Over three exciting and very hot weeks, the team uncovered more of the circular ditch, revealing sharply defined edges and layered chalk infill - evidence of erosion from what was once a prominent mound.

Key discoveries included:

  • A large fragment of Bronze Age pottery

  • Carefully worked flint tools

  • Animal bone, including cow remains

Each find offers new insight into how communities lived, farmed, and honoured their dead more than 4,000 years ago.

Community at the Heart

At its core, Between the Barrows is about participation.

  • 150 local schoolchildren joined the excavation

  • 50+ adult volunteers worked on site

Children learned how to excavate safely, recorded real archaeological features, created prehistoric-style pottery, and explored burial traditions using a replica skeleton affectionately known as “Mr. Squires” (pictured left).

As one volunteer shared:

“The kids just lit up. It’s powerful to see them holding a 4,000-year-old tool and connecting with the history beneath their feet.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the trench was carefully backfilled, preserving the site for future investigation - Dr. Elmer reflected:

“Whether or not a burial lies below, this site tells a powerful story. These barrows once marked the land and our ancestors’ claim to it. Through this project, we’re helping a new generation connect to that legacy.”

The journey continues in 2027, the tenth year, when the team will return to excavate more of the ditch and explore what still lies hidden beneath our Diamond Wood.

Read more about last year’s [2025] dig on our blog here.

 

GET INVOLVED

Whether you’re a student, volunteer, teacher, or simply curious about the history beneath your feet, Between the Barrows offers a unique opportunity to take part in real discovery.

  • We welcome:

    • Local school groups

    • Members of the homeschooling community

    • Adult volunteers

    • Families

    • Youth archaeology groups

    • Anyone curious about local heritage

    No previous archaeological experience is required.

  • No - supervision is provided on site. Our team will guide you through excavation techniques, recording methods, and site procedures.

  • Yes: minimum age 7 years. Children work under close supervision in structured sessions designed specifically for their age group. Safety and safeguarding are central to everything we do.

  • Yes. Alongside excavation, we offer talks, guided tours, and hands-on heritage activities for visitors.

  • Booking information for schools, volunteers, and visitors is available,

    Spaces are limited and often fill quickly.

  • Participation details, including any applicable fees, are outlined during the booking process.

  • Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing are essential. Excavation can be muddy, so we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

  • Light rain does not usually stop excavation. In cases of severe weather, sessions may be adapted or rescheduled for safety.

  • Eco facilities are available on site for volunteers and participants during excavation periods:

    • The off-grid Cabin provides shelter and a kitchen with mains water/ potable drinking water

    • Solar power enables phone charging

    • Compost toilets

  • Yes. The project will return in the summer to continue tracing the Bronze Age ditch and explore what may remain at the centre of the site.

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