In Nov 2003 we identified two key sites at Tidgrove and carried out geophysical surveys. At one we found evidence of ditches and other works suggestive of a Romano British farmstead. At the other we found evidence of a medieval ditched enclosure with buildings foundations.
It was decided to continue the exploration by excavations at the first site and in Sept 2004 the Heritage Association joined with Year 1 archaeological students to carry out selective excavations on the site,
These have confirmed the presence of both Iron Age and Roman residences.

Because of the sensitive nature of this site defra will not give permission to work until satisfied that the resident wildlife will not be affected and this prevents us starting any work until late August.

Kris Strutt of the University of Southampton carried out a further geophysical search of the site in order to identify the best locations to explore. He was joined for the first three weeks of September by fellow staff members and first year students to carry out the excavation,

Initially four trenches were dug and excavated using the Southampton team augmented by local volunteers. One trench found part of the medieval rabbit warren which gives Tidgrove Warren its name and was backfilled. A further trench was then dug on the other side of the site.

Removal of the shallow topsoil revealed the chalk subsoil of the downlands and this showed evidence of the use of chisel ploughs which have of course thoroughly disturbed and remains in the upper layers. The chalk contained signs of trenches, pits and post holes and these were explored over the next three weeks revealing a considerable number of Iron Age and Roman remains.

During the excavations the site was visited by children from twelve local schools who field walked a part of the remainder of the site, sieved the spoil heaps for other remains and were given a conducted tour of the site. We also liked the site to the Heritage Open Weekend Scheme. We were assisted in this by the Wessex Archaeology Trust who arranged a number of children's activities including making mosaics, excavating artefacts in sand bins and interpreting the finds and washing and identify finds from the site. We also had Roman re-enactors playing the part of a Roman Soldier and his wife (excellent value). All these activities have been enthusiastically received.

On Friday 24 Sept we said a sad farewell to our student friends. We were delighted to hear that they gave very positive evaluations to their tutors and found it a valuable help to their course work. The site has now be restored and we await the full report from Southampton.

For more detail of the Tidgrove projects and other historical sources for Kingsclere