MEMBERS of the public will get the chance to glimpse ancient timbers and other archaeological finds at Beccles Marshes this weekend following two years of investigations.

MEMBERS of the public will get the chance to glimpse ancient timbers and other archaeological finds at Beccles Marshes this weekend following two years of investigations.

The site is being excavated by Suffolk County Council and the University of Birmingham and is thought to date back to 20 years before Julius Caesar first invaded Britain.

Ancient wooden stakes were discovered on the marshes in 2006 and the work carried out by the two organisations identified the site as a unique prehistoric stake alignment or causeway that has been preserved in the peat of the marshes for more than 2,000 years.

The teams joined forces again the following year for a further excavation which led to the creation of a major research project which focused on understanding the trackway and its environment.

The main feature of the site is a triple line of stakes running across the marshes. The preservation of the stakes is so remarkable that it is possible to see every axe mark.

The site will be open on Saturday from noon until 4pm. Entry is free and visitors will be able to view the excavation trenches, the preserved wooden timbers and current finds from the site.

The site is best approached via the Beccles Marsh Trail footpath from the Fen Lane car park at Beccles Marina next to the tourist information point. Suitable footwear is recommended.