Monument record MDO39674 - Early 20th century earthworks, possible post medieval extractive pits, Sopley Common, Hurn

A wide concentration of banked and ditched earthworks are visible at this location on Sopley Common on 1940s aerial photographs. The earthworks are likely to be early 20th century military in origin although they may alternatively be associated with post medieval extraction. The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

A concentration of banked and ditched earthworks are visible on the sides of a narrow ridge of ground on Sopley Common on 1940s aerial photographs and were digitally plotted during the Dorset Stour NMP (1).

The earthworks are typically small ditched sub-circular features located on the east slope of the ridge. One longer ditched linear measuring around 12m long is also visible amongst the group. The earthworks are located within an area of concentrated military activity and are likely to be early 20th century military in origin. They may be associated with military practice trenches, slit trenches and dugouts. Alternatively they may reflect post medieval extractive pits.

The features were digitally plotted by the Dorset Stour NMP.

The earthworks are within partially open heath in 2017 but are not visible on current Google Earth imagery.

<1> Royal Air Force, 28-MAY-48, RAF/CPE/UK/2548 V 5156-7 (Aerial Photograph). SDO15553.

Record last edited

Oct 31 2017 2:00PM