Rochdale heritage project shortlisted for national archaeology award

A heritage project which introduced thousands of people to archaeology through excavations in Rochdale and Middleton has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Broadfield Park Slopes activity programme is in the running for Community Archaeology Project of the Year at the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards.

The activity programme formed part of the restoration of the slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall and combined conservation work with a wide ranging community programme centred on local history and archaeology. More than 8,500 people have taken part in activities linked to the project.

The awards are organised by the Council for British Archaeology and recognise outstanding community archaeology projects across the country.

Delivered by Rochdale Development Agency with support from Rochdale Borough Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the programme included two major archaeological excavations on the Broadfield Park Slopes.

Archaeologists uncovered the foundations of a 19th century corn mill and a public weighing station at the foot of the slopes. Excavations also revealed the remains of a 17th century property and an 18th century solicitor's chambers.

A more recent excavation near Tonge Hall in Middleton, led by Rochdale Development Agency with support from Elder Archaeology CIC, uncovered evidence of post Medieval farming methods, including ridge and furrow cultivation. Archaeologists also identified features suggesting the possible presence of a Medieval hall which predates the existing Tudor period building.

The project also created opportunities for people to gain practical experience in archaeology. Twenty six work placement participants completed more than 1,000 volunteer hours while developing skills in excavation, conservation, interpretation and recording finds. Eleven local volunteers contributed a further 1,000 hours and hundreds of visitors joined excavations during community dig events.

Alongside the archaeological work, schools and community groups helped create heritage interpretation across the restored slopes through features including carvings and benches.

Broadfield Primary School was among those involved in activities designed to introduce pupils to careers in the heritage sector through classroom sessions, careers events and outdoor learning.

Lauren Davies, an archaeology research volunteer, said the project had helped improve both her physical and mental wellbeing.

She said, "The archaeology I've been involved with has been amazing for my physical and mental health. Although I can find digging tiring at times, digging also helps me to feel stronger, both mentally and physically. I never feel as strong as I do when I'm digging.

"I have been able to socialise with like minded people who also have a passion for archaeology and meet people from all walks of life, from primary school children to adults. It is exhilarating, being able to get out of the house and have some independence and do what I love to do, while helping people experience archaeology for the first time or the hundredth time."

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council, said, "Restoration is not just about making things look beautiful again, it's about unlocking the door to our past, with all its fascinating stories and getting people excited about those stories and all those lives that came before us.

"The success of the Broadfield Park Slopes activity programme has been fantastic to see. It's given thousands of local people, including our youngest residents, another reason to be proud of our heritage and the opportunity to find out about something completely new and different. This shortlisting is very well deserved and I've got everything crossed for the win."

The winners of the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards will be announced on Tuesday 28 July.