MEM22606 - Post-medieval peat cutting on The Chains (Monument)

An area of recent peat cutting was noted during a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on The Chains, undertaken by South West Archaeology as part of the Exmoor Mires Project. This is subcircular in shape, with good visible sections and was thought to be modern in date. [1] The Historic Environment Officer for the Exmoor Mires Project undertook a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on The Chains, which included this site. Noted was an area of peat cutting; this is subcircular in shape and is seen to have good visible sections, implying it is fairly recent in date. [2] A study of the archaeology and history of peat exploitation on Exmoor’s moorlands provides additional background on the practice and sites. [3]