Archaeological dig gives new insight into prehistoric farming near Guisborough

The excavation, near Guisborough, aims to further investigate the findings of a previous aerial survey known as LiDAR mapping, in 2016.

LiDAR uses laser technology to scan the ground and can identify subtle variations, such as ridges and troughs, which may otherwise be hidden under vegetation. This airborne survey was later followed by a study on the ground in 2019, which looked for further clues about the site’s history.

Now a ten-day excavation is being carried out by DigVentures, a social enterprise company that brings together people who are interested in archaeology, with opportunities to get involved with real digs. The current dig will finish by mid-April, but the work to study, identify and properly catalogue the finds and environmental information from the site will continue over the coming months.

Work at the dig site in the North York Moors National Park Picture: DigVentures

Initial finds have included a range of flints from the Neolithic and Bronze Age and a small amount of pottery.

Stephanie Duensing, from DigVentures, said: "Over 30 local residents from all walks of life joined our dig team, eager to learn about archaeology and to help us unearth the story of this fascinating new site.

“Together we've had an incredible ten days of discovery, digging through sun and snow to reveal the first solid evidence of when this settlement was occupied and who by, including an early Bronze Age tanged arrowhead, a gorgeous little thumbnail scraper, and a collection of Roman pottery sherds.

“We're really looking forward to what other discoveries we make as we start to analyse these artefacts and soil samples in the lab.”

Work at the dig site in the North York Moors National Park Picture: DigVentures

Miles Johnson, head of historic environment at the National Park Authority, said: “It’s been a number of years since we’ve seen an excavation on this kind of site in the North York Moors and few examples of this kind of site have ever been investigated in the region.

“The information we have so far suggests a farming settlement, surrounded by small fields which were cultivated and probably held livestock too.

“The remains look to be significant, but the investigation will be targeted and small-scale so that the impact on both the archaeology and the surrounding environment is as minimal as possible. We are taking precautions so as not to disturb nesting birds, adders and other wildlife.”

Mr Johnson added: “Ultimately we hope that this excavation might give us a better insight into domestic life around 2-4,000 years ago in the North York Moors. Many of the features that survive or have been excavated from this period are monumental in nature, for example barrows or dykes. But understanding the everyday, ordinary lives of people is important too.”