Local residents gathered on Salisbury Plain last week for the Barrow Clump open day 2013. 
 
As the second phase of Operation Nightingale excavations at the Bronze Age burial mound and Saxon cemetery drew to a close, members of the public were invited onto the site. Visitors had the chance to tour the trenches, witness ongoing excavation and view this year’s artefacts which included Saxon weaponry, jewellery and even a pair of tweezers. 
 
Phil Harding’s flint-knapping demonstrations proved popular, as did Wiltshire Museum’s excellent collection of Saxon replicas. Young visitors were entertained by hands-on activities, including clay pot making and mini dig sandpits. 
 
With over 360 visitors and £300 raised for Operation Nightingale and Care 4 Casualties, the day was a huge success! 
 

Wessex Archaeology staff, Op Nightingale soldiers and many volunteers worked together to deliver this event. Funding was kindly provided by Wiltshire Council.