Blink and you’d miss the signpost to ‘Hoolet Raw’ – the only visible trace of what was once a row of miners’ cottages and named after the owls once residing alongside them, now part of the Mineral Walkway at Chatelherault Country Park.

Led by CAVLP Heritage, a new project, Capturing the Past, will explore the unique stories, archaeology and archive evidence associated with the industrial, horticultural and agricultural past of the Clyde and Avon Valleys – and they need your help.

Join CAVLP Heritage on Saturday the 23^rd and Sunday the 24^th to join in with an archaeological survey, exploring the remains of Hoolet Row. Learn site recording skills as well as how to read the landscape and look for new archaeological sites.

Do you have any stories or memories of Hoolet Row? CAVLP Heritage would love to hear them. Help build a picture of what life was like for the people that lived at Hoolet Row by bringing along any old photos or stories that you’d like to share.

Find out more about how you can get involved in Capturing the Past by joining CAVLP Heritage for the launch on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 January at Chatelherault.

Whether you fancy getting stuck into some archaeological work throughout the year, exploring what archive research can be found, capturing oral histories associated with sites like Hoolet Row and other historical sites, or learning an archaeological skill – there’s a volunteer role to fit your interests.

You needn’t have experience of archaeology or volunteering – training will be given and there will be roles to fit all ages and abilities according to the time you are able to spare.

“By helping to explore and record the remains of Hoolet Row, people will be able to actively contribute to the exciting work of this new archaeological project”, explains CAVLP Heritage Officer Dr Paul Murtagh.

He continues, “It would be great if we can get as many people as possible to help conduct archaeological work, record archaeological sites, help with archival research and to help share and celebrate the rich heritage of the Clyde and Avon Valleys. By getting involved for just a few hours a month people will really be able to help deliver, and contribute to, this important archaeological project”

The following free weekend event will officially launch the volunteering programme. Further events and training weekends will take place throughout January, February and March.

Saturday 23 January – Volunteering program launch and archaeological survey

Chatelherault Country Park, 10.30am – 3.30pm, adults, children and families all welcome. Free. For more information call 1555 661555 or email Paul and Karen at cavlp.heritage@gmail.com.