Archaeological Fieldwork

Take part in The Big Dig this Summer in Eastbourne!

Between 9th – 11th June 2023, we are asking people to dig archaeological test pits in their own gardens to uncover the hidden history beneath your feet! The test pits will give us a snapshot of how parts of Eastbourne developed as a Downland settlement and to find out more about the daily lives of Eastbourne’s residents throughout history.

A Test Pit is a small archaeological excavation, consisting of a square trench measuring 1m by 1m and up to 1m deep that can dug be by hand, by anyone, in an open space in their garden.

'Flying Archaeologists' will be on hand to supervise and ensure all excavations and recording are done correctly while another team of finds specialists will be in our headquarters in Motcombe Gardens to record and interpret the archaeology.

We will also have a number of test pits in public spaces in Eastbourne and visitors are welcome to pop by and see what we’ve uncovered!

Full training and resources will be provided.

Sign up to take part in the Big Dig here

The Big Dig project is part of Changing Chalk - a partnership of organisations led by National Trust, The South Downs and supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund and People's Postcode Lottery working together for the future of the South Downs.