A COMMUNITY archaeology project in Swaledale is preparing for a full weekend of digging at Fremington, near Reeth, this weekend.

The Swaledale Big Dig, a two-year project organised by the Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group (SWAAG), is backed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and supported by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.

Alan Mills from SWAAG said the dig on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 is the first full weekend of digging in the village.

He added: “So far we have concentrated on the village of Reeth where we have dug 33 one-meter-square test pits in private gardens or public spaces.

“We have found more than 2,000 pieces of dating evidence, mostly in the form of pottery fragments, but also glass, nails and even a medieval metal lock.

“We have another weekend of digging planned for July 18 and 19, which will focus on the village of Grinton.

“We want to hear from anyone who would like to help during the weekends. There is very little hard work involved - if you can do gardening you can do the Big Dig.”

So far the Swaledale Big Dig has produced evidence that one of the most prosperous early periods for the village of Reeth was from the late 1100s, during the reigns of the first Plantagenet kings.

For information contact Alan or Judith Mills; alan@swaag.org, ring 01748-884938 or visit www.swaag.org.