Community Archaeology 

The Lydbury Field Group, is a community archaeology group based in south west Shropshire and was formed in 2003 by a group of local residents who wanted to explore the archaeology of the area through practical fieldwork. 

The Group carries out investigations into the development of the archaeological landscape in south-west Shropshire. Activities include documentary research, map analysis, fieldwalking, finds recording, site surveying, and excavation.

The Group also holds regular monthly meetings for talks or guided walks and visits to places of archaeological interest. The purpose of these is to engage members in the local and regional archaeology as a part of the continuing educational function of the Group.

 We welcome all with an interest in archaeology and the historic environment, regardless of experience.

THE MAKING OF THE LYDBURY LANDSCAPE PROJECT

The Group is conducting a landscape project ‘THE MAKING OF THE LYDBURY LANDSCAPE’, the aim being to study the development of the Lydbury landscape during the Holocene period (i.e. since the end of the previous Ice Age c.12, 000 years ago) through the archaeological and palaeo-environmental research.

The area of study is situated in South-West Shropshire centred on the village of Lydbury North (SO354860).  It lies along the Kemp valley, from Acton to Brampton, and includes the hills on either side.  Within the area are the village of Lydbury North and the hamlets of Brockton, Lower Down, Kempton and Brampton.  The area lies at the centre of what was formerly the medieval manor of Lydbury North that is of Anglo-Saxon origin.

The objectives of the project are to; study and identify environmental change in the landscape due to human activity and intervention, understand past communities, how they were informed by their environment and external influences, how they subsisted and developed as communities in terms of cultural processes.  As well as to identify and record significant changes in the agricultural landscape,  particularly the development of Walcot Park and to further the understanding of the origins and development of the village of Lydbury  North.

Events and Activities

Fieldwork

 For those wishing to participate in fieldwork membership is necessary. The Group charges a subscription to ensure that all participants are covered by the Groups’ insurance. Please inform Mike if you wish to participate.

Field-Walking

We are still waiting to field-walk Pool Close, Lower Garden: and will let you know when it has been ploughed.  Again, this will be at very short notice due to the farmer harrowing and drilling immediately after ploughing.

 Members Events Programme

Please remember that events are open to members’ partners and friends and, of course, they could always join the group and enjoy all the other activities that we offer.  For all events please let Greta or Mike know if you wish to come.

Future Local Events

Contact Mike Greene (Chair) Email: greenefate@hotmail.co.uk

 To download application form:        Membership Application Form

Discovering Archaeology

as a young Archaeologist

find it, dig it, record it, draw it, make it

learn and have fun

lots of fun activities and visits

 Lydbury North Village Hall

from 10a.m. to 12 noon

on every fourth Saturday morning of each month

Welcome to all aged 5 to 17

Come and join in the fun. Parents most welcome.

Annual membership £5

For more information email greenefate@hotmail.co.uk
To view or download an application form click here Application pdf (opens in new window)