A SERIES of ‘speculative’ test pits are to be dug in Redditch in a bid to uncover more of its history.
And members of Redditch Local History Society are hoping both residents and schools will roll up their sleeves and join them in the search.
“Digging a test pit, particularly outside people’s houses, is a good way of discovering more about the past,” said Derek Coombes from the Society.
“From the rubbish people have thrown away, for instance animal bones, you can find out what they were eating and more about their diet and we can build a picture of what life was like for them.”
The scheme, called Small Pits, Big Ideas, is part of a county-wide dig backed by a £62,700 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant following an application by Worcestershire Archaeological Society.
The site of the digs has yet to be revealed but it is likely to be in a more rural part of the town and Derek said he was hoping residents of the chosen areas would volunteer the gardens as sites.
“The pits will be approximately one cubic metre in size and the dig should take about two days,” he said.
“There will also be a period of time cleaning, washing and cataloguing what is found.”
He acknowledged the pits could turn up nothing, but added the technique was a recognised way of discovering more about the past.
Redditch is one of six locations across Worcestershire taking part in the dig, which is expected to start in May.
Test pitting has been shown to provide valuable research results, as well as fostering the development of new skills including team working and problem solving as well as being a highly enjoyable experience, fostering a greater interest in heritage.
