Surrey’s internationally significant archaeological site at Fetcham Springs has been awarded £250,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support Communities at the River: The Fetcham Springs Archaeology Project, a five-year initiative launching in 2025. Thanks to National Lottery Players, this funding provides a major boost to one of Surrey’s most important archaeological sites.
Led by Surrey County Archaeological Unit (SCAU), the project will uncover thousands of years of human history while offering hands-on archaeology experiences, volunteering, and educational programs for local communities.
Initial excavations in 2009 revealed a prehistoric hunting camp dating to the end of the last Ice Age and a high-status Roman building, demonstrating over 12,000 years of continuous human activity. This new project will expand research, investigating periods ranging from the Ice Age to the Saxon era.
SCAU’s Community Archaeologist, Hannah Potter, has developed a project which will provide inclusive opportunities for residents, schools, and community groups, including:
- Archaeological fieldwork volunteering
- Public open days
- Interactive workshops, including flintknapping and gladiator training
- Visits from historical reenactors (Stone Age and Roman)
- Free educational school visits and loan boxes
Fetcham Springs holds the Wildlife Trust’s Biodiversity Benchmark, reflecting its ecological significance. Landowner SES Water, a key partner in the project, will support conservation efforts to protect the river landscape.
Over the next five years, discoveries will be showcased through exhibitions, a pop-up museum, public talks, and digital resources, ensuring a lasting educational legacy.
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 our 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.”
Grace Wood-Lofthouse, Sustainability Manager, SES Water said “Water at Fetcham Springs has supported life for millennia… This project will help us better understand how to protect our landscapes for the future.”
For more information on this project and the work of the SCAU visit Surrey County Archaeological Unit – Surrey County Council
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