Landscaping complete ahead of schedule.

Landscaping restoration work in the Boxgrove quarry has been completed ahead of schedule. This has allowed heavy machinery to leave site in good time for the first phase of ecological restoration to begin. Grass sowing, using an approved Countryside Stewardship mixture, was undertaken and germination appears successful across the site. The Devil's Ditch (an important Iron Age entrenchment forming the southern boundary of the site) has been cleared as part of the initial phase of woodland improvement. Sheep from the Goodwood Estate, shepherded by Nick Page, will begin to graze the site next yeart, by which time the site will be included within the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Within three years it is hoped to replace this flock with a small herd of Sussex cattle.
Architect Richard Atkinson has been commissioned to draw up plans for the proposed field centre and a provisional ground plan has been lain out at the site. The first phase of development - providing water, electric and telephone services to the site - is currently being addressed. With the provision of services and some temporary on-site accommodation, the first phase of renewed archaeological excavation will begin in Summer 200