Earth Trust is guardian of one the most iconic landscapes in South Oxfordshire – the Wittenham Clumps. This summer, the environmental charity will be transported back in time as we explore the hidden history of this historic local landmark and trace the ancient footsteps of the people who lived here more than 2000 years ago.

Please join us for ‘Clumps Go Ancient: Archaeology Festival’ a fun-filled and immersive family experience taking place for one weekend only – between Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August, at Earth Trust Centre in Little Wittenham.

The festival is being delivered in association with DigVentures; the team of archaeologists who undertook excavations at Wittenham Clumps between 2020 and 2022. Among many other discoveries, excavations revealed the remains of a Roman villa, and a vast Iron Age settlement believed to have been occupied by the people who built and used the iconic hillfort, known locally as the Clumps.

The festival will feature hands-on activities, living history, demonstrations, family-friendly talks, artefacts from the dig, and an Archaeology Lab with live experiments to try. ‘Clumps Go Ancient’ promises to be a fun and exciting opportunity for families to discover the people, history, and archaeology of the Clumps like never before.

Founded in 2012, DigVentures was born from a mission to connect people who love archaeology with opportunities to do archaeology. Now, Earth Trust and DigVentures are working together to share the excavation’s discoveries, and bring this archaeology to life for local families.

Earth Trust’s vision is a society where people and nature thrive in balance. In order to achieve that balance, there is so much we can learn from the historic people of the Clumps.

Humans (past, present and future) are an integral part of the story of nature and green spaces. DigVentures fascinating finds uncover the truth about just how special Wittenham Clumps has been to people for thousands of years. From the Iron Age communities who created the hillfort that is now Castle Hill; to the farmers and tenants who manage the land today – this area has been shaped by human use and intervention throughout the ages.

‘Clumps Go Ancient Archaeology Festival is aimed at children aged 6 and over, but there will be opportunities for the whole family to have fun. Tickets cost £5 per person, children under 2 go free. Booking in advance is recommended to avoid disappointment. Please visit EarthTrust.org.uk/whats-on/ to reserve your tickets today.