The Canal & River Trust Announce New Pocklington Archeological Dig

Get Hands-On with History and Uncover 200 Years of Local History

The Canal & River Trust, the charity that looks after Pocklington Canal is preparing to host its first archeological dig on the 200 year-old waterway later this month.

The two-week dig will start on Wednesday 21st June and will be managed by local community archeologist Jon Kenny from Wheldrake, near York.  The focus of the dig will be former location of a 19th century warehouse located along the side of the Canal Head basin.

The local community and members of the public are encouraged to join in with the dig during the four public drop-in days, during the weekends of 24-25th June, and 1st-2nd July, from 10am to 3pm or take part as a volunteer by registering at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer.

Lizzie Dealey, from the Canal & River Trust is overseeing the archeological dig as part of a three-year Gem in the Landscape project. Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the project aims to improve wildlife habitats and protect historic structures on the canal. 

Lizzie said: “A key part of this activity is enabling people to come and learn more about the techniques and skills that archaeologists use day to day will be able to help dig the site and view any unearthed finds. There is no need to book onto the drop-in sessions, however there will be a limit of people within the dig site at any one time.”

Jon Kenny, Community Archaeologist said: “If you’ve seen archeological digs on television and wanted to give it a go, well now’s your chance! This is a community dig and open to all ages, there’s no experience needed and we’ll provide the equipment. We’re hoping this dig we can help to uncover further evidence of how Canal Head was being used in the early 19th century and find out more about the history of this canal.”

The Canal & River Trust has arranged for Jon Kenny to deliver interactive sessions at local primary schools in Pocklington to help schoolchildren learn about the dig, handle real life finds from previous excavations and find out how they can get involved with their families.

The archeological dig is part of a Canal & River Trust led programme that is running alongside the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society’s Bi-Centenary Restoration Project.  The Gem in the Landscape project is a three-year programme of activity supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund  and includes wildlife habitat improvements, heritage restoration activities and events.

For more media information contact:
Naomi Roberts, National Press Officer
T: 0113 2845238 M: 07557 256482 E: naomi.roberts@canalrivertrust.org.uk

The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and Wales, caring for the nation’s third largest collection of listed structures, as well as museums, archives, and hundreds of important wildlife sites.  We believe that living waterways transform places and enrich lives and our role is to make sure there is always a place on your doorstep where you can escape the pressures of everyday life, stretch your legs and simply feel closer to nature 
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk   @CanalRiverTrust  @crtcomms