More than 60 people, with an interest in keeping the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty special, enjoyed an evening with Dr Chris Smart, of the University of Exeter, to hear what was discovered during the community dig in Calstock last autumn.

The archaeological dig was part of the Calstock Parish Heritage Project, supported by a grant of £35,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which trained 20 volunteers from varying backgrounds in excavation and recording.

Dorothy Kirk, a local resident who took part in the dig, described it as one of the best things she had done in her life and a 'tremendous experience that few people have the opportunity to enjoy'.

Two weeks of excavation provided insights into the longevity of human activity on Church Hill, Calstock, which can now be projected further back in time than previously thought. The excavation focused on two trenches in the field south east of the parish church.

One trench assessed the relationship between a large enclosure that surrounds the known Roman fort, and a probable road that led from the fort's east gate.

The team managed to record a full profile of the massive enclosure ditch, which after two weeks of hard labour, proved to be a defensive ditch due to its size and depth. The shape of the ditch, as well as the large array of 1st century Roman pottery recovered from it, suggest that like the fort, the Roman army dug it.

What was believed to be a road entering the east gate of the fort turned out to be the remains of a post-medieval hedge-bank.?But the real surprise was the discovery of three small pits, one of which produced Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age pottery, which pushes activity on Church Hill back into pre-history, sometime during the 3rd millennium BC.

It was said the most interesting, and unexpected feature was a large hollow that had been the site of metalworking activity. It was thought it may relate to post-medieval activity, but could also be Roman or medieval in date.

Dr Smart said: 'I believe that everyone left the excavation with a new perception about the value of archaeology, and of how it is carried out.

'Armed with only Time Team as a guide, most remarked on how much recording has to take place, which you do not see on television!'

HLF's acting head of region Richard Bellamy said: 'One of HLF's main aims is to ensure that as many people as possible have the opportunity of hands-on experience with a part of their own heritage.

'That's why it's so exciting for us to be able to watch the progress of fascinating projects like the one at Calstock, which is involving the community in literally uncovering a part of its own history.'

A repeat talk will be held on Thursday April 12, as part of the Spring Trail Festival, with Dr Smart, at the Tamar Valley Centre, Drakewalls, nr Gunnislake, at 7.30pm.

Booking is essential.?To secure a place contact the AONB team on 01822 835030 or email [email protected]">[email protected]