Unenclosed & unimproved moorland. Scattered small quarries, some reused as tips, are a feature. The origin of the landscape is uncertain though likely to be moorland by the Roman period (see Bevan 2003 for discussion of environmental evidence). Spencer-Stanhope of Cannon Hall managed the moors for grouse shooting from 1830 (Sykes 1996, 195). Southern limit of polygon corresponds to the route of the old turnpiked road, which was replaced by the modern road in 1830. The turnpike runs along Saltersbrook, a route that was used to transport salt, with placename evidence dating from the 11th/ 12th century (Smith 1961, 342). This salt route connected up with routes which can be dated back to the Anglo-Saxon charters (Raistrick 1973, 199). Mesolithic tools have been found across the moors.