Bicknoller residents are being invited to conduct archaeological excavations in their own gardens as part of a research project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This autumn, archaeologists from Past Participate, supported by the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme, will launch a programme of Village Test-Pitting across the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The programme starts with a weekend dig in Bicknoller on the weekend of October 16 and 17.

Test-Pitting involves local residents digging one-metre excavations in their own gardens and recording them archaeologically. It is a well-used technique for both engaging communities in archaeological research and for providing information in occupied areas which other methods cannot access.

Dan Broadbent, historic heritage officer for the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme, said: “No experience is necessary. Participants will be supervised by experienced archaeologists to learn how to dig a test-pit and identify and record archaeological contexts.

“They will gain experience of finds identification and recording. Perhaps most importantly, they will be adding to our understanding of the historic development of their own village.”

Specific research aims for the weekend include identifying evidence of prehistoric activity within the area now occupied by Bicknoller, and gaining insights into the foundation and development of the village, not least in helping to establish whether the village was an Anglo-Saxon or post-Conquest foundation.

Archaeologist Dr Hayley Roberts, of Part Participate, said: “The oldest standing remains in Bicknoller are parts of the church, which were probably built 850 years ago, but the village appears in the Domesday Book, and in the countryside around Bicknoller there is evidence of prehistoric life. We are hoping to find evidence of the people who have lived in the village throughout that time.”

Residents of Bicknoller who have a garden they would like investigated as part of the projects should contact Hayley at [email protected] or Dan at [email protected] for more information.