Communities at the River: The Fetcham Springs Archaeology Project awarded grant by The National Lottery Fund to explore, preserve, and share the rich archaeological heritage of Fetcham Springs.
Surrey County Archaeological Unit, part of Surrey County Council, is announcing a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support Communities at the River: The Fetcham Springs Archaeology Project, a five-year initiative aimed at uncovering, protecting, and celebrating the nationally significant heritage of Fetcham Springs through hands-on community participation. Thanks to National Lottery Players, this funding provides a major boost to one of Surrey’s most important archaeological sites.
In 2009, excavations at Fetcham Springs revealed tantalising glimpses of a prehistoric hunting camp from the end of the last Ice Age and a high-status Roman building—offering an exceptional opportunity to understand human activity at the site across thousands of years. The new project, made possible by National Lottery players, will build on this work with a programme of fieldwork, training, and events led by professional archaeologists from the Surrey County Archaeological Unit (SCAU) and supported by volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.
Volunteers will participate in archaeological excavations each summer, starting in 2025, alongside geophysical and metal-detecting surveys. These hands-on opportunities will be open to local residents, schools, and community groups, offering training in archaeological techniques, finds processing, and site interpretation. At all stages, the project will remove barriers to participation and ensure activities are tailored to a wide range of interests, ages, and abilities.
Community engagement lies at the heart of the project. A dynamic programme of family-friendly activities—including flintknapping workshops, Roman and Stone Age reenactor visits, gladiator training sessions, and open days—will bring the past to life for all generations. Schools will benefit from free visits and themed loan boxes, ensuring long-lasting educational impact.
The Fetcham Springs site also holds ecological importance, having achieved the Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark. Landowners SES Water are committed to enhancing the environment, recently nominating the whole site into their regulator’s Biodiversity performance commitment, and will play an active role in the project’s success – supporting sustainable land use that values both natural and cultural heritage.
Through talks, pop-up displays, an audio guide, and a booklet, the project will share its findings widely—promoting knowledge, skills, and a sense of pride in Surrey’s rich past. The combination of archaeology and environmental conservation ensures that Communities at the River leaves a legacy of discovery, education, and stewardship for future generations.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund,” said Hannah Potter, Community Archaeologist at Surrey County Archaeological Unit. “Fetcham Springs is a truly remarkable site, with evidence of human activity stretching back over 12,000 years. This project is about so much more than excavation—it’s about bringing people together to explore, learn, and take pride in the heritage that’s right on their doorstep. We’re excited to work with local schools, families, and volunteers of all ages to uncover new stories, develop new skills, and help protect this incredible site for future generations.”
Grace Wood-Lofthouse, Sustainability Manager at SES Water commented “This project will be the cornerstone in unlocking the site’s secrets. Water at Fetcham Springs has supported life for millennia and we believe providing the community with an opportunity to engage with history first hand will provide us with a much deeper understanding of how we can collectively protect our landscapes for generations to come.”
Councillor Denise Turner Stewart, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities, said “Surrey has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years, and projects like Fetcham Springs help us preserve and share that heritage with future generations. This initiative will provide valuable educational and volunteering opportunities, allowing residents to actively engage with archaeology and deepen their understanding of our county’s past. By involving the community at every stage, we are not only uncovering history—we are creating a lasting legacy of learning, conservation, and shared pride in Surrey’s unique heritage.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re proud to support the Fetcham Springs Archaeology project, thanks to National Lottery players. This project will help to uncover the remarkable heritage of this site and share this with the community. Projects like this are important to as they inspire people of all ages to connect with their local heritage and help protect it for the future.”
For further information, and details about how to get involved, check our Facebook, Instagram, or email the Community Archaeologist at education.scau@surreycc.gov.uk