17/03/2011

Issued by North York Moors National Park

An illustrated talk explaining the findings of a recent archaeological excavation at an Iron Age hillfort in the North York Moors National Park kicks off a series of free special interest walks and talks. The events, organised as part of the Lime and Ice Project, which was awarded just under £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 2008, shed light on some of the hidden gems to be found in the area around Sutton Bank.

In September 2009, a team of archaeologists and volunteers carried out an excavation at Boltby Scar hillfort. At Sutton Bank National Park Centre on 30 March 2011 at 7.30pm, Dominic Powlesland from the Landscape Research Centre will talk about what was found on the dig and how it changed perceptions of what the hillfort was used for. There will also be information available about volunteering with a second excavation at Boltby Scar planned for May 2011.

Jennifer Smith, Lime and Ice Project Officer, said:

"The dramatic escarpment of Sutton Bank is one of the most visited places in the North York Moors but there are many other places with interesting tales to tell in the surrounding area. In the capable hands of our speakers and guides, the series of talks and walks will open people's eyes to some of these amazing but less well known elements, providing an insight to local heritage, archaeology and landscape."

The next talk in the series is by geomorphologist Brian Sweeney, who will uncover the geology and landscape evolution of Sutton Bank's inland cliff and the surrounding area including Hood Hill and Lake Gormire. The talk takes place at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on Tuesday 5 April and starts at 7.30pm.

Also in April is a walk to the intriguingly named ‘Windy Pits' - networks of limestone fissure caves that emit flurries of air from within. Graham Lee, the National Park Authority's Archaeologist, will explain how the windy pits were formed, their importance for nature conservation and tales of their curious uses in the past. This all day walk leaves Helmsley at 10.30am on Sunday 10 April. Walkers should be physically fit as the walk includes some steep ascents.

All events are free of charge but booking is advisable as places are limited. Call 01439 772738 for more information or to book a place. Details of other walks and talks organised by the Lime & Ice Project can be found in the National Park Authority's Out and About Guide, available from National Park and Tourist Information Centres from the end of March 2011.

ENDS