Public involvement has been at the heart of this project, and a large number of local people have helped in the clearance and excavation work. Volunteer groups have come from RWE npower, Greendown School, Churchfields School, Wiltshire Probation Young Offenders, the Park Rangers, Swindon Young Carers and English Heritage. Many individuals have also come and spent a day digging with the team – in all over 200 people have lent a hand.

During half term week there was a Site Open Day, a Family Dig Day, and two Meet the Archaeologists days. Many groups have had guided tours around the archaeology of the park. All these have been very popular, with more than 600 people taking part.

Some of the finds from the excavation are now on show in the Visitors’ centre at Lydiard Park.

Public tours on the first Site Open Day, April 14th 2004.	A young volunteer gets help identifying his latest find.	Pupils from local schools working to uncover the old pathways in the Walled Garden.
Phil Harding, one of Wessex Archaeology’s staff with volunteers from RWE npower.	Volunteers from the general public in front of the main entrance to Lydiard House.	Small pieces of pottery, bone, clay pipe, and charcoal were found by young volunteers.
Half-Term, Family Dig Day. The handling table.	Half Term, Family Dig Day. Groups joined the archaeologists excavating in the Walled Garden.