About the AELPHER Project

Fifteen miles south of Manchester, Alderley Edge looks out over the Cheshire Plain. Now a Site of Special Scientific Interest largely owned by the National Trust, the mineral-rich sandstone of the Edge has attracted myths and miners for four thousand years. Below lies wealthy Alderley Edge village. Within this small area is an exciting mix of distinctive landscape, unique archaeological sites and strong personalities.

The original Alderley Edge Landscape Project (AELP) was set up in 1996 by The Manchester Museum and the National Trust, with grants from the Leverhulme Trust and others. From this multidisciplinary research grew a successful exhibition at the Museum in 1998-9, and two books.

The interest created by this project spurred The Manchester Museum to open its findings to a much wider audience. A new project, The Alderley Edge Landscape Project: Heritage and Educational Resources (AELPHER), was created, funded principally by the Heritage Lottery Fund (see Partners for full list). At the same time a Learning Resource set in Alderley, and based on The Stone Book Quartet by Alan Garner has been developed with Cheshire Education Authority.

Another part of this programme was the Alderley Sandhills Project (ASP), which grew out of the original Landscape Project as an excavation at the site of the Miners' Cottages in the Hagg, conducted jointly by the Museum and the University Department of Art History and Archaeology with the involvement of local volunteers and schools in 2003.

This expanding website contains a selection of AELP's findings - archaeology, geology, botany, geography, history and literature. It is a mark of the commitment of The Manchester Museum and Manchester University to continuous and inclusive education for all.

Protect yourselves, and help us to protect this fragile site...........

The Countryside of Alderley Edge is largely in the stewardship of the National Trust. The site is fragile, and needs careful protection from erosion by visitors. It is also hazardous, with deep quarries, steep slopes and rocky outcrops.

The enduring and special nature of Alderley Edge is highlighted by its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), with some parts further scheduled as Ancient Monuments. This status protects for everyone and forever Alderley Edge's landscape, objects, plants, stones and minerals: they may not be damaged or removed, even in the context of course fieldwork.

And a word of warning: because of the dangerous nature of this site, intended school visits require adequate teacher supervision. Facilities are limited, and visits should be arranged in advance with the Cheshire Countryside Office, by telephoning 01625 584412.

............to pass it on in good health to future generations.

The Shovel

In 1993 a wooden shovel, first found on the Edge in about 1874, reappeared and was radiocarbon dated to the Early/Middle Bronze Age (about 1800 to 1500 BC). In 1995 a hoard of coins of AD 330-340 was discovered which confirmed a Roman presence on Alderley Edge. At this point the National Trust realised they needed to find out more about this unique landscape.

'Verses on Finding a Wooden Shovel. . . .'