The room was packed when Thatcham Historical Society met (Monday 30 April, 2007) for a talk on ‘If you go down in the woods today: The archaeology of woodlands."
The presenter, Dick Greenaway introduced the topic with the famous song "If you go down in the woods today". The work concentrates on the North Wessex Downs area. There is little known about the history of the landscape, something that this work aims to change.
The archaeology has not been mapped as woods have not been ploughed, some woods are private and they are difficult to explore. Woodland archaeology is the Study of the history of the landscape including the features preserved and the distribution of plants. This does not include excavations or metal detecting.
What do we find?
Humps made of clay and flint are found, sometimes of considerable length and can surround deer parks.
Grims Dyke at Aldworth. No dating evidence found, however, documents refer to it in 1200AD.
Grims Ditch shown nothing left in the open fields, however, the Woodland has protected parts. This has been found to be a double feature which has two banks and a ditch. Finds from the Roman Era have been discovered.
Hampstead Mott commonly said to be a Moot and Bailey can easily be dismissed. Fourteen people can stand on the top, not enough to show an area for such a dwelling and there is no evidence of a bailey. This is in-fact a round barrow.
How can we date features?
We can use Botanists. The size of trees and stumps can be dated, the distribution of plants, for example Bluebells, can indicate disturbance. Holes can be dated by dating trees that grow in them.
Progress
The progress of the team is:
- Conception November 2005.
- Project launch May 2006.
- Two day training courses in November 2006 and January 2007.
- Six teams working since January.
- Ecology training day 28 April.
To find out more visit www.northwessexdowns.org.uk.
Questions from the audience followed, a vote of thanks was given by Tony Higgott and refreshments followed.