RESIDENTS across Teignbridge and South Devon are being invited to take part in a new community archaeology project that could help uncover hidden layers of local history - right in their own gardens.

The Teignbridge Archaeological Society has launched ‘The Teignbridge Gardens Project’, a volunteer-led initiative seeking homeowners willing to host small archaeological ‘test pits’ in their outdoor spaces.

A test pit is a carefully excavated square, typically measuring one metre by one metre, which allows archaeologists and volunteers to explore soil layers and uncover artefacts that reveal how land has been used over time.

Finds can include pottery fragments, clay pipes, building materials and other historical objects, with even small discoveries helping to build a wider picture of the history of local villages and communities across the district.

Organisers say the project aims not only to deepen understanding of Teignbridge’s past, but also to give residents the chance to take part in hands-on archaeology.

The initiative is open to people of all experience levels, with no previous archaeological training required.

Volunteers will be guided through the excavation process and supported in learning practical skills, making the project accessible to those with a general interest in history, as well as more experienced enthusiasts.

The Teignbridge Archaeological Society says community participation is central to the scheme, with the potential for each garden site to contribute valuable information about settlement patterns and everyday life in the region through the centuries.

A spokesperson for the project said the initiative offers a unique opportunity for residents to connect directly with the past beneath their feet, while contributing to a broader understanding of local heritage.

The group is now appealing for volunteers across Teignbridge and South Devon to come forward and offer their gardens as potential excavation sites.

For those interested in volunteering or offering their garden for a test pit, contact the Society’s secretary, Jowan Albon, on [email protected]