THE Dorstone Settlement Timeline Project is bringing 6,000 years of local history to life in 2026, with a programme of free events open to everyone.

This includes a community dig, wildlife workshops, scientific surveys and other events that will shine a light on the history of the area from Neolithic monuments such as Arthur’s Stone to the mediaeval mysteries of Dorstone Village.

The project is being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. An While St Faith’s Church is currently closed, as building work continues to improve the facilities of the Grade II* listed building, also included as part of the project.

The exciting programme of activities taking place in the churchyard, offers the local community and visitors hands-on ways to engage with the area’s remarkable stories and contribute to valuable research into the settlement’s unique historical environment and rich biodiversity.

The highlight of the events programme will be a community archaeology dig, taking place around Dorstone village between August 1 and 9, which aims to uncover the village’s mediaeval past.

The public’s involvement in the project began last week with a scientific survey morning, an event which is being repeated on June 19 under the direction of Tim Kaye from Learning and Nature.

Data collected will contribute directly to a new churchyard management plan, as well as the national biodiversity network.

Over the summer Wildlife Weekends are being held enabling families and nature lovers of all ages to join the interactive, guided sessions in St Faith’s Churchyard.

These are free, family-friendly events and will take place on four Saturday mornings, between 10am and 1pm, each with a different theme.

On Saturday May 9, the theme will be birds - This is a busy month for bird activity, with nesting, feeding and the arrival of migrant birds.

The theme on Saturday, June 13 will be plants - where visitors will be encouraged to identify a variety of plants, go on a tree trail, and learn to wet felt a leaf.

The theme on Saturday July 11 will be invertebrates while the subject on Saturday, October 3 will be fungi. Activities will be led by expert wildlife enthusiasts, and all equipment will be provided.

Participants in the Dorstone Dig: A Medieval Mystery in August will join a live excavation, with varied volunteer roles including archaeological excavation, cleaning and cataloguing finds. T

This is a rare opportunity to take part in real archaeological fieldwork, on a site that holds 6,000 years of history.

A pre-dig talk will take place on June 17 to introduce the work and techniques involved. The dig is open to everyone and free of charge – no experience necessary.

Other events to look out for throughout the year will include storytelling sessions with local schools, Discover Dorstone walking routes, and a range of historic craft workshops.

The Dorstone Settlement Timeline is a heritage project at St Faith’s Church, Dorstone, supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project explores 6,000 years of settlement history of the village and wider Golden Valley, from Neolithic times to the present day.