Key Facts

• Remains of extinct Bronze Age cattle, called aurochs, were found in a cave in Yorkshire Dales.
• The discovery was made by archaeologists working with cave explorers.
• The site also showed evidence of being used as a human burial ground during the Neolithic period.
• Aurochs are considered the wild ancestors of modern cattle and were widespread in Europe before extinction in the 17th century.
• The project, called the Ingleborough Cave Archaeology Project, is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
• This initiative aims to secure the future of upland commons in various regions in England.
• The project also focuses on engaging modern farmers in sustainable land management.
• Ingleborough remains one of the few places in England where the tradition of "commoning" still exists, allowing farmers to graze sheep on communal land.