New dig at Peterborough's Flag Fen to start as £700k of funding confirmed
A new archaeological dig at one of Peterborough’s most important sites is set to begin – after £700,000 of funding for the project was confirmed.
As first by The Peterborough Telegraph in May, the cash boost will prevent the 'catastrophic loss' of Bronze Age archaeology at the site.
The announcement was made by Farming Minister Stephen Morgan on a visit to the site.
He said: “Flag Fen has survived for thousands of years, offering us an extraordinary window into Bronze Age Britain, and this government wants to keep it that way.
“This funding will help protect the incredible history beneath our feet, while giving nature a boost and helping more people discover the secrets of our ancient past.”
Recent evaluation excavations confirmed that organic remains – including ancient, worked wood – are deteriorating. This new excavation will investigate the site’s western post alignment, with the recording and understanding of new evidence helping to shape how Flag Fen is interpreted and experienced by visitors now and into the future.
The excavation project will offer volunteering opportunities for the local community, university students, young carers, and returning volunteers from previous site surveys. Volunteers will receive progressive training, with the aim of giving them the skills to become supervisors and tour leaders.
Flag Fen is one of the few places in the world where Bronze Age structures – such as the iconic Causeway uncovered there – can be found.
It has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register since 2012.
"Around 40% of Flag Fen’s precious buried archaeology is at serious risk of being lost forever”
Jacqueline Mooney, General Manager, Flag Fen Archaeological Park, said: "This funding will make it possible for us to excavate and collect evidence that is missing from our understanding of why Peterborough’s Bronze Age settlers built the monumental wooden causeway at Flag Fen.
“We are incredibly thankful that this funding has been granted just in time, as around 40% of Flag Fen’s precious buried archaeology is at serious risk of being lost forever in just a few short months."
Cllr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: “Flag Fen is a wonderful and unique attraction, which welcomes visitors from far and wide. We are lucky to have this Bronze Age archaeological site on our doorstep, giving families a rare chance to see ancient archaeology and explore a reconstructed prehistoric landscape.
“I’m absolutely delighted that funding has been made available for this further excavation of the site and look forward to seeing this project progress. This funding also demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving and enhancing valuable attractions such as Flag Fen, helping to ensure that it can continue to be enjoyed by families for years to come.”
“This is brilliant news for Peterborough, for our shared history, and for the next generation"
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said: “This funding couldn't come at a more critical time, as changes in the environment are speeding up decomposition, meaning it's crucial that archaeologists have the chance to record and preserve irreplaceable evidence before it's lost for good. This is brilliant news for Peterborough, for our shared history, and for the next generation who will get to learn from what's uncovered."