DOWSING for water is a concept familiar to most but few will know the ability is also used for archaeological searches, soil testing, healing...and much more. In fact last month dowsing was used to locate the site believed to be that of Dursley's ancient castle. Feature writer KIRSTY RAMSDEN met the man who dowsed for the castle - Peter Golding, founder of Slimbridge Dowsing Group - to find out more.

IT was while working in the desert Peter Golding discovered dowsing and its very varied uses.

An engineer, he needed to put down cables but did not know where the existing cables lay.

About to return to the office for site plans, the digger driver stopped him a suggested what he called "the old civil engineer's trick".

Slimbridge man Mr Golding said: "He bent two pieces of wire."

He held a piece of the wire in each hand and as he walk the wire moved.

Mr Golding marked where the driver said the cables were and released this was accurate to the plan.

Amazed by the results and seeing the usefulness of the skill, Mr Golding began to practise dowsing building up his ability.

He said: "It is amazing - the first time these rods move in your hands."

While in the desert, he found it a useful skills and was frequently called upon by Arabian travellers to find water.

He could even use his skills to discern the quality of the water and as how many gallons per minute it travelled.

In fact such are Mr Golding's dowsing skills he can dowse across the oceans to other countries.

He has used his skills for healing - he prefers to call it relieving health problems.

He said: "Dowsing is so much more than water - in fact I seldom do water."

He uses a crystal dowsing pendulum to answer questions and can dowse the map of an area.

In fact that was how he began his bid to find Dursley Castle.

He had read about the castle in the Gazette and had seen letters asking where the castle had been sited.

He dowsed a map of Dursley to find where he believed the castle location to be.

He then went to the site with an architect and used his rods to dowse for the castle.

Such is his ability he believes he has found the castle's kitchens, spiral staircase, how many floors it had, as well as the outline of the building.

Mr Golding said the castle was believed to have been built in the 1100s and fell into disrepair in the 1500s.

Although none of the castle remains above ground and little is thought to exist below ground, it has made an imprint in the aura, explained Mr Golding, which meant it could be discovered by dowsing.

Mr Golding's reputation as a dowser was called upon by his village historical society to find a labyrinth which is thought to have existed in Slimbridge.

He used his skills to locate a possible site and talked to the enthralled members of the historical society.

Some members were eager to know more so Mr Golding formed Slimbridge Dowsing Group.

He is keen to show others how to harness dowsing abilities as well as use his own skills to help people.

When instructing, he initially starts with simple tasks such as finding water or electricity supplies running through a garden.

He said: "We are all born with this ability to dowse as another sense."

But, he added, like so many natural talents if it is not used it does not flourish.

He said: "Children can do it because they haven't lost their ability."

Dowsing is associated with changes in brain rhythm and muscular responses.

Most dowsers use some form of instrument, such as a rod or pendulum, to amplify their responses so they can easily be seen.

Mr Golding does own a dowsing twig - an item most traditionally people associate with dowsing - however he tends to use more modern rods.

As yet no full explanation in conventional scientific terms has been discovered and Mr Golding does come across occasional sceptics.

He added he did not like to work in the presence of sceptics because they could annul his ability.

However, explained Mr Golding, other nations were more open minded in fact in some of the former Eastern Bloc countries dowsing was even a university course.

Mr Golding said: "I like to think it is becoming more acceptable."

He is a members of the British Society of Dowsers, which was formed in 1933 and now boosts more than 400 members.

The society aims to encourage the study and advancement of knowledge of dowsing in all its forms among members and the public.

And Mr Golding himself is often called up to use his abilities.

Mr Golding said: "I don't charge for any dowsing. It is a gift and any gift given to me by God I will give freely."

If you would like to know more about dowsing call Mr Golding on 01453 890316 or email PeterGolding@moorendlane.freeserve.co.uk

Pictured: Peter Golding dowses at the supposed site of Dursley Castle at the recreation ground GJA888V03