The first recorded excavations were carried out in the 1880s on March Hill Top. After these, initial interest in 'pygmy flint sites' grew, with more and more surface collections and excavations matching an increase in peat erosion and the exposure of Mesolithic sites. The most famous excavations were carried out by Francis Buckley in the 1920s. Buckley's finds and notebooks are stored in the Tolson Memorial Museum, Huddersfield, where a display about local flint enthusiasts and local Mesolithic sites is open to the public.

A page from Francis Buckley's notebook describing a hearth on March Hill

A page from Pat Stonehouse's notebook describing some finds from Dan Clough

A number of individuals have carried out important excavations on the moors since Francis Buckley's time. Pat Stonehouse, in particular, has been a leading figure in researching this area.

A plan from pat Stonehouse's notebook locating some finds from Dean Clough

Unfortunately, most other excavations are of a different character and have left few, if any, records. The majority of finds and certainly almost all the in situ archaeological information have therefore been lost. Sadly, despite the enormous quantities of flint that have been taken from these moors, there remains only limited knowledge of the types of activities carried out here in the Mesolithic, and the reasons for the importance of these locations. This type of damage has continued to the present although it is an offence to dig or to remove any material without the permission of the landowner, The National Trust.