This blog is written by our student volunteer Kate Girdlestone, who joined one of our public archaeology days with Mercian Archaeology and shared her experiences.
Last week I had the privilege of joining Andy and his team in some archeological research they are doing in Sherwood Forest. I met the team in a remote area near Thoresby, where we parked our cars and discussed the day ahead. We were looking for depressions and platforms in and on the ground, that may be key in understanding more aspects of Sherwood Forest’s role in the Second World War, specifically it’s role in munition storage. Before heading further into the forest, we looked at some ‘Lidar’ images of the areas we would be examining. Lidar, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is an archeological imaging technique which uses light lasers to produce an accurate image of the ground, particularly in remote areas such as forests. These images showed us the areas we would be looking at in close detail.
The team and I then went further into the forest, leaving behind any tracks, and came across the first depression. This was surveyed, measured and photographed by Andy and the team, so that an accurate cross section could later be produced. Although I have very little knowledge of archeological techniques or methods I was able to help by holding a measuring tape! This was the first of several of these hollows we found.
We then moved on to the next site, a concrete platform surrounded by tall yew trees and rhododendron. Again, this site needed accurately measuring and photographing. It is likely that this platform, now covered over by soil and plants, would have supported a large storage structure containing munitions during World War II. Its location in the forest was ideal, not too far from a track making transport easy, yet removed enough to remain secret. This platform also shows us the importance of Sherwood Forest’s natural landscape, as the yew trees provided protection, shelter and cover from overhead discovery by planes. After this exciting discovery, we found our way back to the cars and ate lunch in the snow and hail!
In the afternoon, we went to a new area, where we surveyed another hollow that also may have been used for storing munitions and equipment. From there, we followed a track that was possibly used for transport during the war, and may even have acted as a railway line. Unfortunately, as I could only join the team for one day, I saw just a small part of an ongoing investigation into Sherwood Forest’s broad and varied role in the Second World War. Even from my short time, however, I gained valuable insight into the Forest’s role in storing the country’s precious supplies in a secluded and hidden area.
In March and April this year there was lots of activity in several spots across Sherwood Forest investigating sites like those described by Kate and more. We were joined by a wide variety of people from the local community and further afield, from those with an interest in archaeology to total newbies dipping their toes for the first time, second world war history buffs, students, kids, grandparents, and everything inbetween!
The team are always happy to welcome people with any levels of experience from "never even heard of Time Team" to "just call me Indiana Jones" to join our public investigation days. If you would like to join the archaeology specific mailing list to be kept up to date with the archaeology project and dates, email andy@mercian-as.co.uk For more information about the whole Spirit of Wartime Sherwood Project, email susie.johns@sherwoodforesttrust.org.uk