In June 2024, Churchill Archaeology organised a community archaeological evaluation on the Iron Age hilltop enclosure in Buckholt Woods near Monmouth on behalf of Buckholt Bryngaer CIC. Prior to the dig, very little was known about the site, despite its designation as a scheduled monument. With assistance from Amgueddfa Cymru, Churchill Archaeology welcomed seventy-four participants over five days.

It soon became apparent that the enclosure was much more substantial than previously thought, but it may not have been completed. The ramparts consisted of a c.5m high coursed stone wall, but not a single artefact was identified. In contrast, on a neighbouring summit, a local volunteer, who had been researching the area for 30 years, revealed the location of a large Early Neolithic flint scatter. Based on the assemblage and the earthworks present on the site, it appeared to be a ‘new’ Early Neolithic enclosure.

Additional funding to investigate both enclosures was acquired from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the evaluation took place in early October. This talk by local archaeologist Kate Churchill will present the results of the excavation and discuss where we go from here.

Please note that the full article, including pictures are in the February 2025 Newsletter (page 3).