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YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER NEW SITES


YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS DISCOVER NEW SITES

A group of young people on an archaeological holiday in Cornwall with the Young Archaeologists' Club (YAC)(1) have discovered two previously unrecorded oblong, grave-shaped stone mounds (2) on Minions Moor, part of Bodmin Moor.(3)

Since this discovery in June, experts have examined the sites, which could date back to the Bronze Age. Local archaeologists had no idea these stone cairns were there and are planning to undertake further research in November, when summer vegetation has died down.

As Holiday Leader Tony Blackman explained, "The group literally stumbled over these finds and were quick to assess their context within the ancient prehistoric landscape of this area."

These are not the first Prehistoric monuments discovered by youngsters on a YAC holiday on Bodmin Moor.

The Young Archaeologists' Club, which is run by the Council for British Archaeology,(4) has a UK network of 70 branches and its members regularly make new archaeological discoveries.

"Many of our Branches work in close contact with local archaeologists and the results can be amazing," said Alison Bodley, Co-ordinator of the Club. "For example our North Downs Branch recently found a previously unknown Iron Age enclosure whilst field-walking near Maidstone. The area was to form part of a country park, and the plans for the design of the park were subsequently altered in order to preserve the site".

Branches of the Young Archaeologists' Club run a programme of varied activities including recording graveyards, excavating sites and preparing museum exhibitions.

The Director of the Council for British Archaeology, George Lambrick said, "Young people are sharp-eyed and open-minded - key attributes for making interesting new discoveries. YAC gives them a hands-on experience of what archaeology is all about - and they can make a real contribution to our knowledge of the past."

-Ends-

For further details:
For Cairns found by YAC Cornwall Holiday members, contact Tony Blackman 01872 572725 [email protected]

For images, Young Archaeologists' Club and YAC Branches, contact Alison Bodley 01904 671417/ 0788 4444675 [email protected]
Posted by BrigantesNation
23rd August 2003ce
Edited 9th August 2013ce

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