Last updated: 9 October 2026
Short answer
A new community on a very old place
Chilmington Green can look brand new, but the project's own words are that "this could not be further from the truth". Building the estate gave archaeologists a rare chance to study the land, and they found people have lived, farmed and worshipped here for thousands of years. You can read the full background on the official project website.
What has been found?
- The Ice Age. The project's events for younger children feature "Monty the Mammoth" and prehistoric Chilmington.
- Iron Age warrior burials. Highlighted in the project's sessions alongside wider prehistoric finds such as flintwork.
- Roman Chilmington. Late Iron Age and early Roman settlement, with Roman pottery among the finds. The Kent Archaeological Society published a journal piece on these excavations in June 2026.
- Historic farmhouses. By the 18th century the old hamlet included Netters Farmhouse, Chilmington Farmhouse, Great Chilmington Farmhouse and Chilmington Cottage, all now listed buildings.
- The Second World War. At least four pillboxes within 1km, and a temporary airfield known as RAF Ashford (locally Great Chart Airfield), used mainly by Canadian and American air forces and decommissioned after D-Day in 1944.
The project's timeline page walks through each period, and its interactive web map lets you explore wartime sites from home. If you head out to find them, the project asks walkers to stick to pavements and public footpaths and not to trespass.
How to get involved this autumn
The volunteer research group is the easiest way in. It meets at:
- Where: The Community Cabin, Unit 1 Chilmington Avenue, TN23 8AU
- When: last Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 8.30pm
- Next dates: by that pattern, Tuesday 27 October and Tuesday 24 November 2026. Check the project's news and events page before going, especially around Christmas.
- Cost and experience: the project says no prior experience is needed. Just drop in.
The group started in November 2024 by researching "Chilmington in Wartime". It has since recorded a probable Second World War graffito in St Mary's Church and surveyed Coleman's Kitchen Wood, the highest point in the area at around 60m above sea level.
A busy few weeks
Community Archaeologist Becky Haslam has been taking Chilmington's story around the area:
- 7 September 2026: talk for Woodchurch Local History Society, focused on Brisley Farm and the Second World War
- 7 September 2026: talk and artefact handling at Pilgrims Hospices, Ashford
- 8 September 2026: lecture for the Maidstone Area Archaeology Group
- 1 October 2026: Singleton Women's Institute lecture at the Community Cabin
Earlier in 2026 the project ran sessions with Chilmington Green Day Nursery, Ashford Scouts and EKC College, and Ashford College media students filmed short documentaries on site. Chilmington Green Primary School's Year 4 had a Romans and Saxons workshop in October 2025.
Why it is worth your time
With the developer's administration dominating local headlines, it is easy to forget that Chilmington Green is building a community as well as houses. The research group is free, local and open to anyone, and it is a good way to meet neighbours. For families, the project also offers resources for schools. See our community life guide for other ways to get involved, and our parks and green space guide for local walks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Chilmington Green Archaeology Project?
It is a community archaeology project run by AOC Archaeology that brings the history uncovered during the building of Chilmington Green to local people through talks, school workshops, pop-up museums and a volunteer research group.
When does the volunteer research group meet?
The Chilmington Archaeology and History Research Group meets on the last Tuesday of each month, 7pm to 8.30pm, at the Community Cabin, Unit 1 Chilmington Avenue, TN23 8AU. The project says it runs until January 2027.
Do I need experience to join?
No. The project says you do not need any prior experience, just enthusiasm to find out more about Chilmington's past. Newcomers are invited to drop in.
What has been found at Chilmington Green?
The project describes evidence of prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval life, Iron Age warrior burials, and Second World War remains including RAF Ashford, a temporary airfield used in the run-up to D-Day.