The programmes

Grid reference: SO 581 138

Filmed 9-14 November 2003, first screened 8 August 2004

Deep under the ancient Forest of Dean lies a recently discovered complex of caves, chillingly known as Slaughter Stream. A few Ice Age animal bones recovered by local cavers provide tantalising clues suggesting that the caves might have been home to some of our earliest ancestors.

But only a full expedition can establish if vital evidence survives. In one of its most gruelling challenges, the Extreme Archaeology team has to complete more than two hours of underground crawling, squeezing and climbing before the archaeologists even reach the excavation site. Could the team find evidence at the other end to make the journey worth the risk?