Promoting the Iron Age Heritage of Barbury Castle Local Nature Reserve

This summer brings an opportunity to immerse yourself in a month of heritage, natural history and family fun.

The Swindon Ranger Team are delighted to announce they have been awarded a grant of £27,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to commence with their Living History at Barbury Castle project "to promote the heritage of Barbury Castle Local Nature Reserve via a series of hands-on and National Curriculum-based workshops, community walks and expert talks throughout the construction of an Iron Age Roundhouse and beyond."

The Roundhouse, designed by Acorn Education, will provide shelter for site visitors, an insight into life during the Iron Age period, and provide a habitat for wildlife. The five-week construction period will commence on 26 June and end on 30 July. Throughout this time there will be a series of free family drop-in heritage and environmental walks, talks and activities by experts in their field.

Throughout the construction, volunteers over 18 years of age are welcome to join in the building of the roundhouse where they will learn about the current archaeological theory on roundhouse design. For those who wish to stay longer, camping will be available in the designated on-site camping area by the 'Castle Cafe' at a cost of £3 per night without breakfast or £7 per night with breakfast.

An Invitation to Schools and Colleges

All schools and colleges are also invited to take part in the roundhouse construction via a series of free heritage hands-on workshops, where participants will weave walls, make and apply daub and prepare thatch, enjoy role playing Iron Age life and focus on National Curriculum subjects including 'Settlers and Invaders', 'House and Homes' and 'Changing Landscapes'.

For further information please see: Free Workshops for Schools and Colleges

Barbury Pageant

To celebrate the construction of the roundhouse, the Ranger Team will be hosting their Barbury Pageant open day on 30 July from 1.00pm to 7.00pm at Barbury Castle. The Mayor and guest speaker Professor Ronald Hutton will start the event, which will include indie, folk and acoustic music from Buswell and Charlie Bath; performance art; a chance to decorate the roundhouse in traditional iron age image; and refreshments from the Castle Cafe.

Further Information/Contact

Any school/college or volunteer wishing to join in this unique heritage learning opportunity should contact Chris Park of Acorn Education on 07816591151 to book a place.

Living History at Barbury Castle has been funded by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund 'Your Heritage' programme.