The Slimbridge Archaeological Landscape Project has been exploring the previously unknown late Iron Age and Roman landscape in the vicinity of Slimbridge since 2018. Conducting large-scale geophysical surveys of the surrounding land, and working with multiple landowners to build trusted relationships, has led to extensive archaeological excavations over the last six years. The on-going discoveries have led to extensive development of the understanding of the complex site and its strategic importance in the local landscape and have even featured on the TV series Digging for Britain.
Much of the recent work has been focussed on excavating a large Roman compound in a field called Stanborough Mead on, and with the permission of, the Ernest Cook Trust (ECT) estate. The site has a palimpsest of archaeological features including Iron Age dwellings, an early Roman bathhouse and a large Roman aisled building. The archaeology suggests this was the site of a high-status settlement. Current thinking is that this was a strategic location on the River Severn, possibly a Roman transhipment area.
The project is a joint venture between Archeoscan (a company of professional archaeologists which facilitates public engagement in archaeology) and Slimbridge Local History Society, primarily funded by financial contributions from members of the public who attend the dig.