Flag Fen Auger Survey
Call for Volunteers
What’s Happening
Between Monday 15th September and 3rd October 2025, archaeologists from the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) and Flag Fen Archaeology Park will be carrying out a 3 week survey of the ground around Flag Fen.
The aim is to better understand what lies beneath the surface — the layers of soil, peat, and gravel that make up the ancient landscape. This information will help us see how the land has changed over thousands of years and how best to care for the Flag Fen Bronze Age monument in the future.
If you can spare just a few hours, between 9am and 4pm (weekdays only) your help will make a huge difference. This is an exciting time to get involved and learn from the experts.
If you can commit to a few days in the above time period or have any questions regarding this, please let David Savory or Lousie Duly, know on: 01733 864468, or email on – flagfen@peterboroughlimited.co.uk
What We’ll Be Doing
- Taking small soil samples using hand augers (a bit like a big hand drill).
- Collecting samples at 235 points across the area, about one every 20 metres.
- Auger holes are very small — about the size of a fist (4–10 cm wide).
- All holes will be backfilled immediately, leaving the ground as we found it.
- Up to 10 small test pits may also be dug (just 1m x 1m) to double-check auger results. These will also be refilled straight away.
Why It Matters
- Builds a clear picture of the ancient landscape and how Flag Fen developed over thousands of years.
- Informs future conservation, flood management, and heritage protection.
- Contributes to wider studies of the Fens, protecting nationally important archaeology.
- All support is gratefully received, whether you can stay for a whole day or just drop in to lend a hand.
Who’s Involved
This is a partnership project led by the Flag Fen Futures Group
