Common dig to investigate the pebblebed heathlands

PILES of pebbles on Colaton Raleigh Common are to be excavated as part of an archaeology research project. The annual excavation project takes place at the end of this month and will last for four weeks, until early September.

PILES of pebbles on Colaton Raleigh Common are to be excavated as part of an archaeology research project.

The annual excavation project takes place at the end of this month and will last for four weeks, until early September.

The dig will be led by Professor Chris Tilley, who is professor of material culture in the department of anthropology at University College, London.

The two sites to be excavated are two pebble cairns on Colaton Raleigh Common and a series of ring ditches and structures on Aylesbeare Common.

Visitors are welcome to visit the Colaton Raleigh excavation during two open days, on Sunday September 13, and Saturday September 19, at 11am, 1.30pm and 3pm.

Booking is essential as places are limited to 40, on a first-come first-served basis.

Archaeological dig spokesman James Cobley said: "The East Devon Pebblebed Landscape Project is a long-term research project.

It has an international team of scholars investigating the archaeological and historic landscapes of East Devon and the contemporary use and future of the pebblebed heathlands.

"The pebblebed heathlands of East Devon constitute a long, low ridge forming a watershed between the Exe estuary to the west and the river Otter to the east.

"Most of the area has not been ploughed and it has a significant archaeological and historic resource."

To book to visit the dig, email jamesgcobley@tiscali.co.uk or by post, to James Cobley, Brookdene, Metcombe, EX11 1RU.

For more information about the project visit www.pebblebedsproject.org.uk