Roots in Time
Hidden history on your doorstep
Roots in Time is a National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England project to explore and share the archaeology of a new woodland at Norton, near Evesham. During summer 2022, a community excavation investigated millennia of stories buried within this landscape. Geophysical survey of the site had revealed an Iron Age/ Romano-British settlement, trackways and possibly earlier prehistoric activity too. Thanks to the excavation, we now have a window into what really went on, who lived there and when.
The woodland, wildflower meadows and wetland have been designed around the archaeology and will become a new public green space – New Farm Nature Reserve – owned by Worcestershire County Council and accessed from The Valley.
On site, you will find a series of 6 illustrated information panels about the archaeology uncovered. An audio trail of creative writing is linked to these boards, which imagines some of the human stories connected to the site’s heritage. Listen as you wander along, and immerse yourself in the hidden tales of local lives long ago – who lived on, worked and enjoyed this land over the centuries?
Part 1: Below our feet
We walk on the ground and never stop to think what is underneath us…
Part 2: Two thousand years of life
A Roman farmstead once existed on this site. Step back with us almost 2000 years to soak up the sights and sounds.
Part 3: Fingers & thumbs
Every buried object has stories to tell – this is a collection of tales that we might hear, if only artefacts could talk.
Ourside Youth Centre and Spare Room Arts created the beautiful panels. The audio trail was edited by Jean Atkin and is a combination of poems, short stories and riddles written by Ourside Youth Centre, MJ Bomyer, Sally King and Fiona Rice.
Finishing touches are currently being made to a sculpture and sitting place, called Sanctum. You’ll find Sanctum along the old railway line that runs along the bottom of new Farm Nature Reserve. Here you can sit, enjoy the view and let your mind wander back in time.The mosaics inside Sanctum were created with the help of members of Evesham Dementia Meeting Group, Freedom Day Centre and local residents using recycled materials. The timber is from a local sustainable saw mill. The sculpture was designed and created by Spare Room Arts, with the help of KPW Restorations, taking inspiration from the site’s Roman archaeology and new woodland.
Drawing of Sanctum, by Spare Room Arts
Directions to New Farm Nature Reserve
New Farm Nature Reserve is a 15-20 minute stroll from The Valley, just outside Evesham.
Once at The Valley, walk past the train to the end of the car park, where there is a gravel track behind a metal gate. An information and map board is located here (see precise location on What3Words). Following Skylark waymarker discs, walk down a gravel track to the river, then turn left. Follow the footpath, keeping left at the fork. The site entrance is just after the old railway bridge.
Please be aware that the final section of the route is not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs. Cafes serving refreshments and visitor toilets are available at The Valley. The Valley is home to a garden centre, 22 shops, 4 eateries, riverside walks, Evesham Vale Light Railway, and a children’s play area.
Getting to The Valley
The Valley is accessible by bus or car from the northern end of the Evesham bypass (A46) at its junction with the Stratford Road. Once on the Evesham bypass follow the brown tourist signs marked Evesham Country Park (the site’s former name). Take the turning for the petrol station and Premier Inn, then turn immediately left into The Valley’s entrance.
Take a look at the excavation report
You can still find the dig diary updates that were posted on social media during the excavation by searching for #RootsInTime. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Christmas 2022 newsletter – insights from finds processing
March 2023 newsletter – initial finds analysis
June 2023 newsletter – excavation summary
The project is now over, so no more events are planned for now.
Previous events:
- Storytelling: Tales through Time – 28th May 2024
- Living History Day – 11th May 2024
- Excavation talk – 9th Nov 2023
- Artefact handling session – 7th Nov 2023
- Wildlife walk – 3nd Nov 2023
- Hidden tales of local lives long ago – 28th June, 30th June & 14th July 2023
- Be part of it! Roots in Time sculpture – 9th July 2023
- Excavation Open Day – 17th Sept 2022
You can get in touch with us to sign-up or discuss queries by email, phone or post:
explorethepast@worcestershire.gov.uk
WAAS Outreach, The Hive, Sawmill Walk, The Butts, Worcester, WR1 3PD
01905 766352 (Outreach Team) or 844090 (Project Officer)
We are delighted that the project was recognised at the Archaeological Achievement Awards 2023, run by the Council for British Archaeology, by winning two categories – Archaeology & Sustainability and Outstanding Achievement. Thank you to all involved!
NATIONAL LOTTERY HERITAGE FUND
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk. Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund
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