AN HISTORIC area of Windermere parkland, once the site of a mediaeval chapel, became the focus for some intensive fieldwork this week with local residents joining experts in the hunt for archaeological remains.

Set up to study the origins of St Catherine's a small area of National Trust land between Windermere and Troutbeck - the St Catherine's Community Survey Project saw professional archaeologists from Lancaster-based Oxford Archae-ology North lead around 30 local volunteers in the hunt for history.

Funded by the Local Heritage Initiative, part of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the five-day course involved documentary research and an archaeological survey of the 19th Century site.

National Trust archaeologist Jamie Lund explained the aim of the community-orientated project was to create an historic narrative showing how the property had changed over time: "The two main aims of the week were to teach locals new skills and give them the opportunity to learn more about the local area as well as trying to establish a little more about the history in terms of the National Trust for any future restoration.

"We are hoping to get a better handle on who owned the estate, and when, as well as find out how it actually looked with photographs, maps and plans."

Landscaped around a large mansion, which is now in ruins, St Catherine's once featured a medieval chapel, an extensive range of outbuildings, formal gardens and woodland.

According to local myth, the estate was once owned by the Ferreira family the grandmother of which is thought to have burned down the house while the family were away.

"This is hopefully one of the questions we will be able to answer as a result of the project," added Mr Lund.