Slowly but surely, the history of a village near Rochester is being unearthed, thanks to a group of archaeologists.

Cobham Landscape Detectives started their work in the woods last spring after getting a £96,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

This summer they will be moving closer to home as they dig up gardens in a bid to get an insight into the archaeology of the village.

The team is planning an exhibition at Lodge Barn in Cobham so people can see first-hand what they have uncovered so far.

Discoveries include a cricket souvenir mug, which may have been from the first Ashes tour. It was found at the ruined Darnley estate cottage in Cobham Woods. Ivo Bligh, the eighth Earl of Darnley, captained the England and MCC team and was the first English captain to take on the Australians in an Ashes test match in the 1882-3 winter tour. The Ashes urn was brought back to Cobham Hall.

The money for the dig was secured by Kent County Council and will enable the project, led by community archaeologist Andrew Mayfield, to continue over three years.

Volunteers from community groups, including Cobham Primary School and Kent branches of the Young Archaeologists’ Club, are all involved.

Similar schemes overseen by KCC, include Shorne Woods Heritage Project.

Mr Mayfield said: “The landscape in the Cobham area is of extreme interest because it has remained preserved and protected by woodland. The village is also surrounded by very old medieval estates.

“It’s very important we carry out these surveys because the landscape is constantly under threat from development.”

Mr Mayfield held a meeting at Cobham Hall with residents to discuss how they open up digs in more central parts.

He said: “I am very lucky to have a band of dedicated volunteers, and residents seem happy to have their gardens dug up and some want to do it themselves.

“We are also collecting oral history testimonies of people’s memories in the area. We are particularly interested in people who lived in the various ex-military camps in the woods”.

It is hoped there will be a permanent illustrated display of their findings. If you can help Mr Mayfield, call him on 03000 413416.