Understanding the Landscape was our major Community Archaeology project, providing opportunities for volunteers to learn a range of archaeological techniques, and to make a genuine contribution to our understanding of the historic environment of the Quantock Hills and the surrounding landscape. Volunteers undertook archaeological excavation; fieldwalking; test-pitting; geo-physics; map analysis and LiDAR interpretation, with findings shared through a range of talks, walks and other events. Our ultimate aim was to create and train a group of local archaeological detectives to uncover clues about the historic landscape of the area and to interrogate the archaeological record in the field. Having gained experience and confidence in archaeological research practices, these volunteers have now formed the Quantock Heritage Group, which seeks to build on their work with the QLPS.

The programme of work included:

• A high resolution (25cm) LiDAR survey. This was undertaken in the Winter of 2020 creating detailed digital maps of the entire QLPS area. Volunteers received specialist training in how to interpret these images to help identify ‘new’ archaeological features and better understand existing ones. As a result of this work, hundreds of previously unidentified archaeological features are being added to the historic record.
• A programme of Village Test Pitting took place across four historic Quantock villages. Under professional guidance, volunteers and village residents learnt how to conduct mini archaeological digs in their own gardens. This was an easy and enjoyable way for local people to contribute to archaeological research whilst also providing information in occupied areas which other methods struggle to access. Our first event took place in Bicknoller in 2021; with further events in Crowcombe 2022, Nether Stowey in 2023 and Stogumber in 2024. The project’s final report is available here: Test Pitting Report
• Four community excavations were carried out. The first of these took place on Cothelstone Hill in summer 2021, successfully helping to identify and date a late Bronze Age enclosure on the top of the hill. In 2022 we investigated land in Crowcombe, in search of the lost medieval manor. You can read more about Crowcombe’s Elusive Medieval Manor here. Our third excavation investigated a possible henge site at Broomfield in 2023, and the following year we returned to Cothelstone to explore a series of cropmarks which revealed a Bronze Age enclosure and a Dark Age cemetery.
• Geophysical surveys were carried out on several sites to allow archaeological excavation to be targeted at specific features. These included: Cothelstone Hill, Crowcombe Court, and Broomfield. A survey was also undertaken at Alfoxton House, ahead of restoration work to the walled garden.