Archaeology funding to protect Ice Age hunt site

The project would preserve the area's heritage for future generations, said a councillor

An archaeological project at a "nationally significant" site has been announced.

The Surrey County Archaeological Unit (SCAU) has been awarded £250,000 by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a five-year initiative aimed at "uncovering, protecting, and celebrating" Fetcham Springs.

Excavations there in 2009 revealed signs of a prehistoric hunting camp from the end of the last Ice Age and a high-status Roman building, according to SCAU.

The organisation, part of Surrey County Council, said the "truly remarkable site" offered the "opportunity to understand human activity... across thousands of years."

The new project, starting this year, will build on past excavations with fieldwork, training and events by professional archaeologists.

"Hands-on opportunities" for local residents, schools, and community groups will be available during archaeological excavations, SCAU added.

"Surrey has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years," said councillor Denise Turner Stewart.

"Projects like Fetcham Springs help us preserve and share that heritage with future generations," she added.