Case Studies

Layers of Learning: Investigations at West Northwood Farm

Brought to you by Cornwall Young Archaeologists’ Club (CYAC)

Project Overview

In April 2026, Cornwall Young Archaeologists’ Club (CYAC) delivered Layers of Learning: Investigations at West Northwood Farm, a hands-on community archaeology project designed to connect young people and their families with the heritage of Bodmin Moor. Supported by a grant from the Natural Beauty & The Beast Community Grant Fund, the project brought together local communities for a day of exploration, learning, and discovery in a landscape rich with history.

The idea behind the project was to give children and young people real access to archaeology in their local area. Many families in rural communities across Bodmin, Liskeard and Launceston face barriers to participating in cultural and outdoor learning opportunities. This project set out to remove those barriers by bringing heritage directly to them, offering not just a chance to learn about the past, but to actively investigate it

What took place?

Preparation for the event began with a small team of volunteers undertaking scrub clearance at the site, ensuring the area was safe and accessible for excavation. This was followed by the main event on 18th April, when 13 families gathered at West Northwood Farm for a full day of archaeological activity. The day opened with a talk and guided tour led by the landowner, introducing participants to the history of the site and its wider landscape. This context helped bring meaning to the work that followed, grounding the experience in real local stories.

Participants then moved into practical fieldwork, working in teams to excavate five test pits across the site. Under the guidance of CYAC volunteers, children and their families learned how to use archaeological tools, identify changes in soil layers, and carefully recover finds. The excavation uncovered a range of features and artefacts, including possible structural remains, lithics, and fragments of ceramic material, sparking curiosity and excitement throughout the day.

Outcomes

The impact of the project was both immediate and significant, exceeding expectations across key targets. 15 young people took part alongside 13 families from across Cornwall, demonstrating strong demand for accessible, local heritage activities.

Learning outcomes were particularly strong, with 100% of families reporting increased understanding of Bodmin Moor’s archaeology showing the effectiveness of hands-on, experience-based learning.

Wellbeing benefits were equally clear. Every participant reported at least one positive outcome, with 10 feeling more interested, 9 feeling happy, 9 feeling more connected to nature/history, and 8 feeling calm or relaxed, highlighting the wider impact beyond education alone.

Engagement levels were exceptionally high: 100% enjoyed the day, with 12 out of 13 enjoying it “a lot”, and 100% saying they would attend another event. a strong indicator of lasting interest.

The legacy of the project is already evident, with 8 new CYAC members recruited and an invitation from the landowner to return, ensuring the project continues to generate impact beyond a single day.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this project shows how even a small, focused project can have a meaningful and lasting impact. By combining hands-on learning, community participation, and connection to place, it has helped make archaeology accessible, inspiring, and relevant to a new generation. Just as importantly, it has strengthened relationships between people, landscape, and heritage ensuring that the story of Bodmin Moor continues to be explored, understood, and valued for years to come.

A massive thank you to the volunteers at the Cornwall Young Archaeologists’ Club, the landowner at West Northwood Farm as well as all the families and attendees who attended the day!