We will actively encourage local Collyhurst residents and in particular young people, to take part in the field work. This will offer young people and older residents the opportunity to explore a key heritage site in their immediate local vicinity. They will learn excavation and recording techniques. Collyhurst Hall is a unique piece of local history spanning many hundreds of years. Many of the modern street names in the immediate vicinity have a connection to the hall and by collectively unearthing the physical remains we will be adding to the narrative of the area and fostering a local sense of identity.

What we'll deliver:

• Employ Salford University to work with us over 3 weeks to dig and record the remains of the Hall with our community.
• Encourage local schools and resident groups to participate
• Run a fun and varied open day on the final weekend of the Dig.

Why it's a great idea:

This excavation will allow the Collyhurst Community to come together to find out about their rich heritage and history. Collyhurst residents will learn new skills and gain opportunities in a field that they may not have considered previously. Archaeology is a unique and exciting way to knit communities together and to allow local young people to engage with each other, with professionals and other community organisations and to find out about their area. Previous community excavations in Manchester saw reductions in anti-social behaviour and huge numbers of local residents engaging in all of the activities around the dig, and we are confident that this will be replicated during the excavation of Collyhurst Hall.

Steps to get it done:

• Enabling local people to access the site and to start excavations of the structures that are in place.
• Our main milestone will be getting on site with diggers to unearth the foundations of Collyhurst Hall.
• Our open day which will take place at the end of the excavation on Saturday 16th July.