A PROJECT that saw residents open up their gardens for small scale digs, unearthing almost 20,000 hidden treasures, has won a national award.

Small Pits, Big Ideas, was run by Worcestershire County Council’s Archive & Archaeology Service (Explore the Past) and has won The Marsh Community Archaeology Project of the Year 2023.

Supported by experienced archaeologists, mentors, students, and local archaeology groups, over 400 people took part in digging test pits and processing the finds in search of rural Worcestershire’s past. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Selection of freshly unearthed finds from a test pit at Beoley First School, near RedditchSelection of freshly unearthed finds from a test pit at Beoley First School, near Redditch (Image: K Whitehouse)

Unearthing a trove of over 19,000 hidden treasures, the oldest find were prehistoric flints from Wolverley, Bewdley & White Ladies Aston, top contenders for most fascinating find were Wichenford’s counterfeit Georgian coins, and one of the weirdest finds was a wig curler from Wolverley.

Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Communities at Worcestershire County Council said: "Many congratulations to our Archive and Archaeology Service, volunteers, and partners on winning this award! Small Pits, Big Ideas has not only unearthed fascinating historical artefacts but also fostered a strong sense of community among local residents". 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Selection of medieval pottery from White Ladies Aston – all locally made, from Worcester and Malvern (late 11th to mid-14th century)Selection of medieval pottery from White Ladies Aston – all locally made, from Worcester and Malvern (late 11th to mid-14th century) (Image: WCC)

Nina O’Hare, Community Project Officer for Explore the Past added: "We’re absolutely thrilled that Small Pits, Big Ideas has won Community Archaeology Project of the Year. 

"It’s been a joy to run this project and help over 400 people investigate six Worcestershire villages. Seeing how much fun people had over the Big Digs and the interest sparked has been really rewarding. A huge thank you to all our local partner organisations and volunteers, as we couldn’t have done it without them.”

The awards showcase excellence in archaeology, celebrating the passion and dedication of individuals and the outstanding contribution of archaeology projects which create social, cultural, and environmental benefit.