Ancient discovery begins to rewrite the New Forest’s history

An archaeological dig in the New Forest has unearthed new evidence that may play a role in finding out more about when people first settled here. Analysis of charcoal found in what was believed to be an Iron Age hillfort at Matley Heath, has dated the monument much further back to the Earlier Neolithic period.
With a 95% probability of dating between 3347 and 3097 BC the evidence, together with previous isolated finds in the New Forest, raises new questions around the history of human settlement and land-use in the New Forest and Hampshire.
The discovery was made during a program of conservation and investigative works at the monument undertaken by a team from Forestry England, the New Forest National Park, archaeologists from Bournemouth University, and local volunteers.
Through a process of geophysical surveys and an archaeological excavation the team were able to locate the charcoal deposits. These were removed and underwent specialist radio carbon dating analysis.
Thank you to all our partners and volunteers.
Drone footage provided courtesy of the National Park Authority
Excavation photos provided courtesy of Bournemouth University’s Archaeological Research Consultancy (BUARC)