And, We're Off!

Our survey of Bethecar Moor started yesterday, and even just two days in we've found some interesting features. The weather has been fantastic and the visibility has been so clear that we've been able to see Blackpool Tower from the moor!

The range of features identified so far has mostly been what we expected to find. Many trackways run between the different enclosures and woodlands that bound the moor and demonstrate the heavy utilisation of the area for agriculture and industry during the post medieval era. We also saw examples of how those walls been used and had changed through time, for example, this blocked gateway (right).

One feature we came across caused the volunteers to stop and think. Everyone present had been on the woodland surveys, and one circular, flat platform reminded everyone of the charcoal burning platforms, or 'pitsteads', of which we had found hundreds within the woodlands. Upon further investigation, and the discovery of a piece of charcoal, we decided that it probably was a pitstead (left)! This feature was located in the very southern area of Bethecar Moor, where the moorland narrows and sits between two areas of woodland. As such it is entirely possible that the historic boundaries of the woodlands are not where they are now, but perhaps they crept further onto the moor. Of course, one pitstead is not evidence enough for this but it certainly worth keeping in mind as we continue with the survey.

We can't wait to see what more sites and features the survey reveals over the coming weeks! We've still got plenty of spaces left so if you would like to join in the fun, head over to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rusland-horizons-bethecar-moor-archaeological-survey-registration-48867752764 to book on now.