A RARE opportunity to be involved in the excavation of an Iron Age hillfort is on offer as part of the North York Moors National Park’s Lime and Ice Project.

The dig will take place on weekdays at Boltby Scar between September 2 and 25.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lime and Ice is a five-year programme of access, interpretation and conservation work in the North York Moors National Park and the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Project officer Jennifer Smith said: “Little is known about the hillfort which is close to the Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Around one third of the hillfort’s original defences still survive.

“These consisted of a rampart, external ditch and outer bank which enclosed at least two round barrows or burial mounds from the early Bronze Age. Much of the defences were levelled during the 1960s, in order to incorporate the area into arable fields, and it is hoped that the excavation will expose the surviving parts and that investigation of these will help with their partial restoration.

“The excavation will also look at the hillfort’s original construction, its subsequent defensive uses and its relationship to other features in the wider landscape such as the neighbouring hillfort at Roulston Scar and the Cleave Dyke pre-historic boundary system.”

Jennifer added: “Many people are fascinated by archaeological digs but opportunities to get involved in one are few and far between. The dig at Boltby Scar hillfort is a great chance to unearth a fascinating slice of local history.

“We’re looking for people with an interest in archaeology who could dedicate some time during September to lend a hand. No previous experience is needed as full training will be given by the professional staff of the Landscape Research Centre.”

Places on the dig are limited and priority will be given to people who can commit to three or more days during September and who live within the AONB or the western part of the National Park.

For further information or to register an interest, phone Nick Lishman at the North York Moors National Park Authority on 01439 770657 or email n.lishman@northyorkmoors-npa.gov.uk