Dig, discover and explore: Dorstone Settlement Timeline launches exciting programme of free heritage events. A community dig, wildlife workshops, scientific surveys and more – the Dorstone Settlement Timeline Project is bringing 6,000 years of local history to life in 2026,with a programme of free events open to everyone.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Dorstone project (based at St Faith’s Church, Dorstone) will shine a light on the history of Herefordshire’s Golden Valley – from Neolithic monuments such as Arthur’s Stone to the medieval mysteriesof Dorstone Village.
While St Faith’s is currently closed, as building work continues to improve the
facilities of the Grade II* listed building as part of the project – an exciting
programme of activities is being launched in the churchyard, offering the local community and visitors hands-on ways to engage with the area’s remarkable stories and contribute to valuable research into the settlement’s unique historical environment and rich biodiversity.

Scientific Survey Mornings – 21 April and 19 June 2026
The churchyard at St Faith’s is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. Nature enthusiasts can get involved and help to carry out biodiversity surveys and wildlife recordings, with ecologist Tim Kaye of Cultivating Learning and Nature (CLaN).
As part of the Dorstone project, Tim will be undertaking a full survey of the
churchyard and is looking for adult research volunteers to assist with his work on the mornings of 21 April and 19 June.
Data collected will contribute directly to a new Churchyard Management Plan, as well as the National Biodiversity Network. No specific knowledge is required, and all equipment will be provided.
To get involved, please contact Tim at: tim@clan-cic.org

Wildlife Weekends – May to October 2026

Families and nature lovers of all ages can join in interactive, guided sessions in St Faith’s Churchyard – getting creative and deepening their connection with nature. These are free, family-friendly events and your findings will contribute directly to the Churchyard Management Plan.
Wildlife Weekends will take place on four Saturdays throughout the year, each with a different theme:
Sat 9 May – Birds
This is a busy month for bird activity, with nesting, feeding and the arrival of migrant birds. Look with binoculars, explore nests and eggs, and craft a willow bird feeder.
Sat 13 June – Plants
Identify a variety of plants using hand lenses, go on a tree trail, and learn to wet felt a leaf. 
Sat 11 July – Invertebrates
Peer down a microscope at this bug safari and make your own bugs to take home.
Sat 3 October – Fungi
Discover how important fungi are, find and identify as many types as possible, and play a game of Fungo!
All sessions are free and drop-in, from 10am – 1pm.
Activities will be led by expert wildlife enthusiasts, and all equipment will be provided.

Dorstone Dig: A Medieval Mystery – 1–9 August 2026
The highlight of the events programme will be a community archaeology dig, taking place around Dorstone from 1–9 August, to uncover the village’s medieval past.
Participants will join a live excavation, with varied volunteer roles including
archaeological excavation, cleaning and cataloguing finds. This is a rare opportunity to take part in real archaeological fieldwork, on a site that holds 6,000 years of history.
A pre-dig talk will take place on 17 June to introduce the work and techniques
involved. The dig is open to everyone and free of charge – no experience necessary.

Other events to look out for throughout the year will include storytelling sessions with local schools, Discover Dorstone walking routes, and a range of historic craft workshops.
Look out for full details of all events on social media @DorstoneSettlement