Between the Barrows: In Search of the Ditch

2025 Season Report – A Community Unearths Its Ancient Past

Diamond Woods, Andover — 23rd June till 4th July 2025. This summer, the quiet meadows of Harmony Woods once again came alive with discovery, history, and community spirit as the "Between the Barrows" community archaeology project returned for its latest excavation season. Launched in 2016 as a collaboration between Andover Trees United (ATU) and the University of Southampton, the project began with school-based workshops and has since evolved into a full-fledged archaeological investigation aimed at reconnecting people with their prehistoric heritage.

Now in its ninth season, the 2025 dig continued to reveal secrets buried beneath the soil of Harmony Woods. Led by Dr. Chris Elmer, a lecturer in archaeology at the University of Southampton, with support from Dr. Alex Walker and geophysicist Dominic Barker, this year’s excavation focused on tracing the elusive Bronze Age ditch that once encircled a barrow—an ancient burial mound, now flattened by centuries of ploughing. The team remained committed to their mission of combining archaeological discovery with meaningful community engagement, bringing together experts, volunteers, and schoolchildren in a shared journey into the past.

A Bronze Age Landscape Rediscovered

Aerial photographs from the 1940s first hinted at the ancient significance of Harmony Woods, revealing circular crop marks characteristic of Bronze Age round barrows—burial mounds built over 4,000 years ago for high-status individuals. Though the mounds themselves had long been ploughed flat, the surrounding ditches gradually filled in over time, leaving subtle traces detectable through geophysics and excavation. For many years, local belief placed one such barrow in the open meadow of Harmony Woods. Guided by this assumption, Andover Trees United (ATU) volunteers carefully preserved the area, leaving it unplanted in respect for what was believed to be an ancient burial site. However, that long-held narrative shifted with new discoveries.

In 2020, geophysical surveys conducted by Dominic Barker revealed no evidence of a ring ditch in the meadow. Yet, by revisiting earlier research from the Berkshire Archaeological and History Society and through a chance discovery during foundation work for the Cabin, the true location of the barrow began to emerge. A clearly defined ditch, cut into the natural clay and chalk, was uncovered—marking the genuine site of a Bronze Age burial. This ditch was later traced in a wide arc: passing beneath the Cabin, under footpaths, past trees, and curving around to form a full circle. It would once have enclosed a gleaming white chalk mound, built from the very earth and stone excavated to form the ditch itself.

The discovery transformed understanding of the site—not merely a single burial, but part of what appears to be a larger Bronze Age cemetery. Aerial photography from the 1940s had, in fact, revealed at least two such circular features. Though the mounds are gone, their footprints remain hidden beneath the soil, echoing a prehistoric landscape where these striking monuments once stood as territorial markers and symbols of ancestral identity.

The 2025 Excavation: Extending the Ditch

The 2025 season, which ran from June 23rd to July 4th, built directly on the discoveries of previous years. The focus this year was to further uncover the circular ditch believed to surround one of the barrows and determine its full extent. The archaeological team arrived on site Sunday morning and were soon joined by ATU volunteers who helped set up camp and de-turf the trench extension.

Despite initial challenges distinguishing the ditch from the natural chalk and clay layers, the team identified a chalkier band of soil, suggesting they had located more of the ditch. As digging progressed, excitement grew: clear edges of the ditch began to emerge, and its larger-than-expected size hinted at a barrow of significant importance.

The team uncovered multiple layers within the ditch fill, including chalk that appeared to have slipped from the barrow mound, suggesting natural erosion over thousands of years. Although no human remains have yet been found, the team hypothesizes that a burial—possibly with grave goods such as pottery, tools, or jewellery—may lie in the undisturbed central area of the barrow, still buried beneath the mound’s remains.

Learning by Doing: Community at the Heart

This year’s excavation once again placed community engagement at its heart, drawing in around 200 children and over 50 adult volunteers to take part in the dig. In the first week, pupils from Knights Enham Juniors, Abbotts Ann, and Kimpton Primary Schools visited the site to experience hands-on archaeology. They learned to excavate, sieve for flint, record artifacts, and even took part in simulated burial exercises using a replica human skeleton, affectionately named “Mr. Squires.” Clay workshops introduced ancient pottery-making techniques, helping children connect with the creative traditions of the Bronze Age. The Southampton Young Archaeologists’ Club also joined in, exploring their prehistoric heritage alongside local participants.

Public dig days were held twice weekly, drawing enthusiastic residents—some returning veterans, others new to the experience. “The kids just lit up,” said one ATU volunteer. “To see them holding a 4,000-year-old flint tool and understanding where they live is built on this history—it’s powerful.”

Key Finds

Among the key finds this season were small but unmistakable fragments of Bronze Age pottery, worked flint tools such as scrapers—possibly used for hide processing—and a cow bone, one of the few animal remains preserved in the area’s challenging soil conditions. These discoveries offer fresh insight into how people once lived, worked, and honored their dead in this landscape.

As the season drew to a close, the team carefully recorded their findings in plans and context sheets, cleaned and bagged artifacts, and re-covered the trench to protect it for future excavation. Although the central burial likely still lies undisturbed beneath the mound, the team believes they’re getting close. “We believe we’re standing on a Bronze Age barrow,” said Dr. Elmer. “Whether there’s a burial below, with grave goods or not, we’ll likely never know unless we go deeper—and we’re content to let them rest. What matters is understanding how these barrows shaped the landscape, how people 4,000 years ago said, ‘this is our land, and our ancestors lie here.’”

Looking Ahead

By the end of this year’s excavation, the uncovered trench was meticulously recorded, photographed, and carefully re-covered to preserve it for future exploration. Although the team had hoped to reach the far side of the Bronze Age ditch, its unexpected size means further work will be needed in 2026 to fully trace its course and perhaps uncover the central burial area. Yet the findings have once again confirmed the significance of this site and the power of community archaeology to bring the past to life.

Dr. Chris Elmer and his colleagues—Dr. Alex Walker and geophysicist Dominic Barker—who generously give up their annual leave to lead the dig, are already planning next year’s return. “We’ve confirmed again that there’s something special here,” said Dr. Elmer. “And the response from the community has been incredible. This is what archaeology should be about—connecting people to the past, right where they live.” For the team and the many volunteers who make it happen, Between the Barrows is more than just an excavation—it’s a living connection to the past, shaped through learning, collaboration, and shared pride in local heritage.

As Harmony Woods continues to yield its ancient secrets, one thing is certain: the story of this landscape is still being written, one sherd, one flint, and one enthusiastic trowel at a time.

Acknowledgements

The continued success of Between the Barrows is thanks to the dedication and vision of Dr. Chris Elmer, Dr. Alex Walker, Dominic Barker, and the many volunteers and supporters of Andover Trees United. Special thanks go to Natalia, Wendy, David, and the rest of the core team, as well as the Southampton Young Archaeologists’ Club, local schools, and all the community volunteers who gave their time, energy, and curiosity. Their shared commitment ensures that this unique opportunity to connect with Britain’s ancient heritage remains open, engaging, and accessible for all.