Prehistoric finds at Peacehaven park (From The Argus)

Prehistoric finds at Peacehaven park

12:40pm Sunday 10th February 2013 in News By Kimberly Middleton, Acting chief reporter

A new community park could be one of Britain’s most significant archaeological sites.

A rare opportunity for lengthy and widespread digs on the land sandwiched between Piddinghoe Sports Park, Cissbury Avenue and Peacehaven Community School playing fields has revealed evidence of prehistoric activity.

The discovery will be reflected in parts of the new 35- acre park planned for the site – which will include a natural playground, active aging trail and allotments as well as becoming a gateway to South Downs National Park.

Project manager Chris Bibb said: “It’s the largest area of archaeological investigation in the south east of England.

“Because of the wastewater treatment plant and two neighbouring housing developments, archaeologists have been able to assess a large area, which is very rare.

“The land is potentially as significant as some of the key other archaeological monuments in the country because they have been able to put together a landscape history – they have found prehistoric evidence right up to the modern times.

“They have been able to see how the community and land has changed in that area of Peacehaven over that period of time.”

Keen to ensure local people are made aware of the historical significance of the plot of land, the park planners hope to fill the new attraction with reminders of the past.

 A planning application is due to be submitted for the park in March.