Your chance to unearth a piece of Salt History

Local people with an interest in history and archaeology are needed to take part in a new project with the Saltscape Landscape Partnership.

Experts from Salford University’s Archaeology Department are offering free training to volunteers who would like to take part in a project to excavate a site near to the newly renovated £10m Lion Salt Works throughout the summer.

Mike Nevell, Head of Archaeology at Salford University said “This is a really exciting opportunity for people to learn archaeological techniques including how to research and survey historical landscapes and buildings, how to excavate and record archaeological sites and how to process and archive historical. Once trained, volunteers will be able to assist us in excavating the site of the Old Adelaide Salt Works off Ollershaw Lane near Marston in August.”

Rachel Maskill from Saltscape said,   “People from the local community can get their hands dirty and develop new skills that will help in unearthing more information about the salt industry and the way it has shaped our landscape.  This site is not usually accessible, but we are able to carry out the project with the kind permission of the Club 20 Angling Syndicate who own the land.”

Training will take place on a Wednesday afternoon from June 29th at Lion Salt Works Museum.  For those who are not able to attend the training courses but would like to know more about the Industrial Archaeology of Cheshire, the team from Salford will also be running a series of talks on Thursday evenings between 30th June and 28th July. The first of these is at Northwich Memorial Court, Chester Way, CW9 5QJ (please note change from originally advertised).  For further information on the training course and talks phone Groundwork on 01606 723 160 and ask to speak to a member of the Saltscape team or email  to register your interest and book a place.