The earth will move again in 2026 as plans are already in the pipeline for the next Petersfield Big Dig.

The summer event organised by Liss Archaeology in support with the Petersfield Area Historical Society moved to the High Meadow site amid issues with illicit metal detecting before and after last year’s dig at The Avenue.

Security fencing was installed around the site to prevent a repeat while PCSOs and residents were made aware of the threat from unauthorised detectorists.

But town councillors were told in an update that numbers were encouraging despite the move as amateur archaeologists who specifically travelled to the town were among the 329 visitors.

A pair of Mesolithic worked flints – both called “particularly fine” examples – were uncovered in the first trench along with an undated post hole.

Another exciting find was an “unexpectedly large assemblage of pottery” with the haul including late medieval and early post medieval sherds.

“In our second we also found a lot of pieces of pot including a very distinctive decorated strap handle dating to the 14th century,” wrote Ann Brooks of Liss Archaeology in an update to the Sports, Recreation & Environment Committee.

“We were also able to identify a previously unrecorded trackway and ditch.”

The Petersfield Big Dig 2025 also included test pits in nine gardens with the volunteer digging team including a pair of local teenagers.

Access to the garden sites was prohibited to the general public for obvious reasons so it was important for organisers to have the High Meadow site open to give visitors the chance to see what archaeologists were doing.

Ann added: “Our information stand was manned mainly by volunteers from the Petersfield Area Historical Society and included a range of children’s activities.

“We already have plans for a Petersfield Big Dig 2026 so watch this space.”