Some of our projects..
The first archaeological excavations were carried out at Stanwick Lakes before quarrying started at the site in 1985. These works uncovered thousands of years of history. Neolithic Long Barrows (c 3,700-3,500BC) and Bronze Age Round Barrows (c 2,500–1,500BC) were discovered at the Irthlingborough end of the site.
The remains of around 50 Iron Age roundhouses (c 400BC – 43AD) were found closer to the centre of the Stanwick Lakes site. Next to the roundhouse site the archaeologists uncovered the remains of a large Roman villa (c250 – 400AD) . This replaced a more modest original building. Thankfully, one of the mosaics from the Roman villa was returned to Stanwick Lakes in 2013 and can be seen on display in the Visitor Centre. After the Romans the site became a large area of meadow land. It would have been surrounded by an open field ridge, a furrow farming system and a few early enclosed fields. By the late 1830s the entire landscape had changed to enclosed fields. The meadowland had also become a series of large fields. 1845 saw the opening of The Northampton and Peterborough Railway. The track connecting the stations at Irthlingborough and Ringstead ran through the middle of what is now Stanwick Lakes. Initially, there were five trains each way on weekdays and Saturdays with two on a Sunday. The line was closed in 1964.
As a partner at the site we have helped to build a second larger roundhouse. This was designed with a ditch and a bund boundary, hurdle fencing and a small garden. This showcases crops, herbs and plants from the time. The heritage garden is also developing a “Living History Nursery” to cultivate time-specific plants. From the end of 2023 Stanwick Lakes has had green roofs on their roundhouses. The aim of building a roundhouse is twofold. To provide a glimpse into the past of Stanwick Lakes and to create a focus for community heritage activities. The use of local materials and the involvement of local people were integral to the guiding principles. The new roundhouse has a sedum roof. This gives a really good idea of how the roundhouse would have looked but it also offers better longevity so that classroom groups can be hosted over the next five years or more.
Supplied and delivered sedum green roof materials to help complete a second roundhouse on the site supporting local education and historic appreciation.
If you want to talk over your plans or discuss a bespoke seed mix or turf application please get in touch.
