PEOPLE who have 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 £10 million Lion Salt Works throughout the summer.

Mike Nevell, the 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.”

Rachael Maskill from Saltscape said: “This is such a great opportunity for people from the local community to 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 Wednesday, June 29 at the 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 a Thursday evening at the offices of Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside (lead partner in Saltscape) at Yarwoods Arm off Navigation Road in Northwich.

For further information on the training course and talks please call Groundwork on 01606 723160 and ask to speak to a member of the Saltscape team or email info@saltscape.co.uk.

The Saltscape Landscape Partnership, which is funded by the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund, is a three-year programme of developments which are designed to protect, restore and celebrate the salt history and wildlife of the Weaver Valley.