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Archaeologists have unearthed exciting new discoveries during excavations in National Trust woodland at Nymans near Haywards Heath.
The area under investigation – an outcrop of mysterious rocks known as ‘Pulpit Rock’ which is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest - has revealed evidence of human occupation dating back 8,000 years.
Pieces of flint, which experts say came from the manufacture of tools, used by the Mesolithic people who lived here, were the first treasures to be identified this week.
“These are incredibly interesting discoveries, and are indicative of human occupation,” said Dr Matt Pope from Archaeology South East, who is leading the team including local volunteers from Horsham Archaeology Group. “Amazingly, this site has never been investigated before but recent research has suggested that this could have been the home of the last hunter gatherers to occupy Southern Britain. This is very important because dating the site here at Nymans might give us more information about how people adapted after the last Ice Age.
The archaeological dig is part of a joint venture with the National Trust, Archaeology South East and Horsham Archaeology Society, called ‘Last Hunters of the Weald’. The aim of the scientific research is to discover more about how ancient people developed new ways of living in a changing environment.
On Saturday 9 November, members of the public can watch history being unearthed for themselves at a live excavation where they can also chat with the archaeologists.
Volunteers from Horsham Archaeology Society, Sue Ray, Jean Francis and Vicky Lillywhite have been sifting enthusiastically through buckets of topsoil, searching for ‘treasures’. Sue describes it as like “digging through a field with a teaspoon”, but the excitement of early finds such as flint tools is spurring them on. “It’s wonderful knowing that you are probably the very first person to see and touch these fragments of human history in 8,000 years; it’s fascinating work; and who knows what we’ll uncover next week!” said Sue.
Progress on the project can be found on Twitter (#NTlasthunters).
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