MOLA and Ealing Council invited children from two local schools to take part in an archaeology activity day at Gunnersbury Park. Sixty pupils from Acton High and Isleworth & Syon School spent the day discovering the various aspects of archaeology, culminating in a unique hands-on experience digging in a real trench.
“the students have been raving about the session” Teacher from Isleworth and Syon School
The pupils were introduced to three stages of archaeological investigation: site walkover, excavation and finds sorting. Using the Gunnersbury Park Discovery Trail produced by our community archaeologists, the pupils set off to explore the Park and look for archaeological features in the landscape. Next, they tried their hand at digging, using trowels and hand shovels to excavate a trench. After getting their hands dirty, the pupils had a go at finds sorting and illustration.
The trench was situated adjacent to an earlier trench allowing us to follow the line of two known drain culverts. By the end of the day, the children had uncovered the point where the drains met allowing us to date which was the earlier structure.
The children thoroughly enjoyed their experience at Gunnersbury. The teachers were also pleased to being able to offer such an exciting and different opportunity to their pupils.
