THE secrets of the ruined dam wall at Lydiard Park will be explained at the weekend.

Two tours on Saturday will take visitors along the great castellated dam wall and beneath it on an ancient public thoroughfare.

The wall has been buried under vegetation for many years. Swindon Council's Swindon Services department and volunteers from the RWE Innogy group have helped uncover it and allow a detailed photographic survey to be made.

Now archaeologists and structural engineers are examining the wall to investigate its date and construction and find out how best to restore it.

The wall investigation is part of a £5.3m project underway to restore the park to its former glory.

The park project officer Sarah Finch-Crisp is also overseeing schemes to bring back the lake, which was drained in 1922, and there are bat walks held by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust during the summer starting on Monday, May 3 at 7.30pm.

The tours, at 11am and 2pm, are free but places have to be booked on 01793 770401. Visitors are advised to wear stout shoes and hard hats will be provided as necessary.