‘Little Asby Through the Keyhole’ is an ambitious project spanning two years with the aim of discovering more about Little Asby Common’s rich cultural heritage; adding to knowledge unearthed over two decades of surveys on this remarkable area of common land owned by Friends of the Lake District.

The project is one of 22 different projects being delivered across the area by the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme, aiming to unlock and reveal the hidden heritage of this inspirational landscape. Thanks to National Lottery players, supported by a grant from the Heritage Fund.

One year in, and following the excavation of 16 keyhole trenches across a wide area of the common as well as core samples taken through the sediments of Sunbiggin tarn, the work is already delivering valuable insight into how the landscape has changed over the past 9000 years, in part, influenced by human activity.

Pictured: Volunteers assisting with season one keyhole excavations at Little Asby Common

Archaeological remains were identified in fourteen of the trenches excavated, revealing earthworks features that included the remains of a coaxial boundary system, associated enclosures and possible roundhouses. On higher ground to the west of the road between Orton and Little Asby, the site of a putative longhouse was investigated.

Pictured: 'Arrowhead' Credit: Oxford Archaeology North (OAN)

Occupation of the area in the medieval period would have seen seasonal grazing in the summer months leading to the establishment of shieling-type structures across the common. Some of these structures appearing to reuse earlier, possibly Bronze Age enclosures.

Hannah Kingsbury, Cultural heritage officer, Westmorland Dales Scheme:

“The project is providing a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved and help to reveal the rich heritage of this area. Managed by Oxford Archaeology North (OAN) on the ground, 47 volunteers and our apprentice team at the Westmorland Dales Scheme got involved with all aspects of the work, including the excavation, recording techniques, landscape survey recognition, core sampling and drone surveys.

“We’re currently seeking volunteers for season two of the project so please get in touch if you’d like to join us at Little Asby Common in September.”

Pictured: Westmorland Dales Scheme apprentices assisting with season one keyhole excavations

The interpretation of the excavation results was aided by an auger survey at the site of Sunbiggin tarn. With the help of project volunteers, a short transect of six cores was taken through the sediments of the tarn’s edge, and the samples dated using carbon 14 techniques.

The pollen assemblage from the base of the core indicated an environment of abundant mixed woodland vegetation during the early Mesolithic period (circa 7310-7060 BC). The data indicates the area around the tarn at this time was dominated by hazel, oak, elm, birch, pine and finally alder, comprising major woodland-forming trees.

Following this, the cores upper interval demonstrates a sparsity of tree and shrub pollen, suggesting regional woodland clearance had occurred, and a slight increase in cereal and grass type pollens, indicating possible arable as well as pastoral activity.

Season two of the project gets underway in September, focussing on a specific feature on the common, a rectangular structure/longhouse (possibly a shieling), with additional trenches examining boundary and earthwork features associated with the surrounding enclosure. It is believed that the rectangular structure is medieval in date, and it is hoped that a comprehensive sampling strategy has the potential to provide an accurate date for the structure as well as a greater understanding of its layout, form and function.

If you’re interested in volunteering to help with this summer’s excavation, contact the Westmorland Dales Scheme’s Cultural heritage officer, Hannah Kingsbury via email at: [email protected]

You can book to attend a FREE open day on Saturday 10^th September at Little Asby where the results of the excavations will be discussed or watch an online recording of a webinar discussing the ‘Little Asby Through the Keyhole’ project.