Find Spot record MDO41950 - Peat deposit, Pippins Stream, Wimborne Minster

Pollen analysis of samples taken from Pippin Stream indicate a predominantly open and strongly arable and possible pastoral agricultural environment. This has been dated to medieval period.

A flood alleviation scheme for the centre of Wimborne Minster along the flood plain of the River Allen was carried out by the National Rivers Authority. Pollen analysis of two core samples from alluvial deposits in the north of the site revealed Neolothic and Medieval activity.

Pollen sampling was carried out on the edges of the water meadow drainage channel where earlier assessment had shown that organic sediments existed. A number of boreholes were made and it became clear that stratigraphy varied markedly over distances of some few metres. The most representative section was examined and sampled for analysis. The stratigraphy included pale organic mud, sand containing freshwater molluscs, grey organinc silts, black well humified sedge fen peat, organic silts and freshwater molluscs in grit resting on bedrock.

<1> Higgins, P B, 1995, Summary Report on an Archaeological Watching Brief. National Rivers Authority Flood Alleviation Scheme, Wimborne Minster, Dorset. 1993-4. (Unpublished document). SDO12465.

Record last edited

May 21 2025 12:58PM