Series: Southwest Landscape Investigations (Phil Newman) unpublished report series

Following the discovery of an area of severe, deliberate damage to a 62m section of the ramparts at Milber Down Camp in 2014, a detailed survey of the affected area and record of the damage was requested in advance of remediation, by the English Heritage Historic Environment Field Advisor. An earthwork survey of the northern half of the camp, within Castle Plantation, was also undertaken, to offer context for the damaged area. The disturbed earthwork was recorded at 1:500 scale as a hachured plan, while cut features were recorded in section and accompanied by photographs. The work was timed to take place just after a campaign to clear the northern section of Castle Plantation of invasive laurel and the reduction of scrub within the inner enclosure

An account is given of survey and recording of tin streamworks in the Colly Brook valley on western Dartmoor, in advance of flood management works. Terrestrial measured survey has been used to produce large scale plans of the earthworks within two selected areas of the valley. Descriptive text and limited interpretations are provided, outlining the main features of the surveys, and highlighting some of the more sensitive areas. Versions of the surveys have also been output for upload into the DNPA GIS database and some photographic record of items included in the survey is provided within the report. Although tinworks in this area are undocumented, the most likely period for their operation would be the medieval and post-medieval periods.

An account is given of survey and recording of multi-period heritage assets on the western portion of Walkhampton Common on western Dartmoor, in advance of natural flood management improvements. Terrestrial measured survey has been used to produce a map scale plan of the project area and larger scale plans of significant prehistoric assets. Descriptive text and limited interpretations are provided, outlining the main features of the surveys, and highlighting some of the more sensitive areas. Versions of the surveys have also been output for upload into the DNPA GIS database and some photographic record of items included in the survey is provided within the report.

An archaeological assessment (watching brief) was carried out on land to the north of Uphempston Cottage, prior to the construction of a new stable block. Machine excavated groundworks were archaeologically monitored as a precautionary step, to prevent the unrecorded destruction of any archaeological features that may survive.

A topographical survey of archaeological features was undertaken on and around the summit of Knowle Wood in Bickleigh parish, Devon, near Shaugh Bridge, at the request of the Dartmoor National Park Authority historic environment team. The survey was undertaken to provide a basic plan and interpretation of the archaeological features, whose existence had been confirmed only the previous year. The site, for which a full description and plan has been produced, consists of tumbled stony ramparts, which partly encircle the summit of the hill, and a short section of an apparent inner rampart on the summit. A possible entrance on the west side was also noted. The evidence is evaluated in the context of other stony, hilltop enclosures on Dartmoor, the Westcountry and mainland Britain as a whole, considering the evidence for either a Neolithic or Iron Age origin. Evidence of a medieval or post-medieval woodland industry, in the form of charcoal burning hearths was also recorded as part of this survey.

Earthwork survey using survey grade GPS. This survey was commissioned to provide an up to date, geographically and metrically accurate record of heritage assets within the open moorland areas of Ringmoor Down, and has been funded jointly by DNPA and Historic England. The data resulting from this survey is required to aid the DNPA in fulfilling its aims as set out in its Management Plan 2014-19, and beyond, to ensure that: "Dartmoor’s outstanding archaeological and historic landscapes are well managed, understood and enjoyed, and the character of its distinctive historic built environment is conserved and enhanced". The purpose of this report is to provide detailed plans of the most significant archaeological assets on Ringmoor Down and Legis Tor, including scheduled monuments and others considered to be of national importance, within a broader mapping context and to update HE records in the light of these surveys where required. Following a desktop survey, fieldwork was undertaken to establish the character and extent of previously recorded archaeological sites and to assess the accuracy of data held by the DNPA HER. Also, to investigate any sites of potential interest revealed through the desktop survey, but not previously recorded. This included any features or insights that may be visible on lidar (Tellus SW 2014), as well as satellite photography. Field survey was carried out using dual-frequency GPS to produce a 1:2500 scale geo-referenced map, to include all known accessible archaeological features within the PAL. These included prehistoric cairns, hut circles, settlements enclosures and reaves; medieval farmsteads, abandoned fields and cultivation evidence; tinworking and rabbit warrening from the medieval, post-medieval periods.

An archaeological survey of the Wigford Down Premier Archaeological Landscape (PAL) was requested by Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) Historic Environment Team in early 2020. This survey was commissioned to provide an up to date, geographically and metrically accurate record of heritage assets within the open moorland areas of Wigford Down, and has been funded jointly by DNPA, National Trust, and Historic England. This information is required to aid the DNPA in fulfilling its aims as set out in its Management Plan 2014-19, and beyond