More of the remarkable history of Buckler’s Hard is set to be unearthed as the Maritime Archaeology Trust and local volunteers continue the work of surveying the historic village slipways and shipyard.

A free exhibition in the dig tent by the slipways includes artefacts that were dug up during a dig in 2025, along with any newly discovered items.

A team of volunteers will be digging – both in the land as well as divers working in the Beaulieu River at the lowest part of the slipway.

It follows the successful dig in 2025 which provided a fresh understanding of historic shipbuilding techniques, craftsmanship, and the daily lives of those who worked at the shipyard. The work was featured on BBC’s Digging for Britain.

Combine a walk from Beaulieu to Buckler’s Hard with a visit to see the dig in progress.

The riverside path passes both some of the woodland inclosures that were used to grow the mighty oak trees used for shipbuilding as well as the sites where some of the finest vessels in the history of the Royal Navy were built.

The Salisbury was built at Bailey’s Hard in 1698 – it was the first of more than 50 ships built for the Royal Navy along the Beaulieu River. Others included the Agamemnon – reputed to be Admiral Horatio Nelson’s favourite ship.

Alongside the dig is a free family archaeology day on 31st July from 10:00 – 16:00, with special activities and displays. Help identify objects, take part in quizzes and even try some archeological digging.

The dig is being funded through donations from the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, with help from the Beaulieu Estate and contractors Pete and John Niccolls. 

The village is also hosting a new exhibition – running until the end of October – which reveals the role the Beaulieu River played during the Second World War. It is curated by local historian Marc Heighway alongside Mary Montagu-Scott for the trust.