Holcombe Moor Heritage Group is a group of volunteers with an interest in discovering the history of the Holcombe Moor area. Much of this area is owned by the Ministry of Defence, who are keen to learn more about their land and preserve its historical sites. The MoD has in the past funded several surveys, digs and other events on their site in conjunction with University Archaeological Departments and the HMHG volunteers.

Unfortunately, this funding has now come to an end, meaning that HMHG is on its own - having to raise its own funds and provide its own volunteers for any future research (although with the full backing of the MoD to still be active on their site). But with this new found freedom has come the opportunity to extend our area of interest to the "Forest of Holcombe" which takes in parts of Hawkshaw, Holcombe Brook and Greenmount. 

HMHG carry out archaeological excavations each year in the Holcombe Valley. More information about this can be found on the projects page. Members also investigate the history of the Holcombe Valley by looking at various documents, for example wills, census returns, maps and surrenders. The group host a series of talks in the winter months on different historical subjects and also hold other events, such as guided walks at different times in the year. We also have displays at local events to show our work to the public. 

We have an Annual General Meeting that is open to all members and where all officers are elected under the terms of our constitution. As a group we welcome any ideas from members and are particularly keen to hear from you if you think we can change things to make us serve the group better or appeal to a wider audience.

If you want to be involved in our excavations or historical research with us, please be aware that you will need to be a member of our group. This is so we can ensure that you are covered by our insurance. This is doubly important if you want to come along to help on the excavations that the group may undertake.

If you are not quite sure that digging on an archaeological site is for you, then you may come along for a taster weekend dig, but you will need to arrange this with us prior to any excavation due to MoD requirements. No experience is necessary and all training will be given.

If you wish to take part in our excavation, please note we will need certain details from you, as access to the excavation site is through the Army Training Camp at Holcombe. Please email hmhg_archaeologist@btinternet.com for further details.

We hope you would like to join HMHG and get involved not only in your specific area of interest (perhaps local history) but also in other areas in which we are active. Please visit our ”join us“ page to do so.