Archaeologists uncover intriguing historical findings on Exmoor peat-bogs

The bogs and peat-lands of Exmoor are casting a fascinating new light on the history of the moors, thanks to previously unknown archaeological secrets, revealed via a new book which studies the work of an exclusive project founded to increase and improve the great peat-lands, as opposed to destroying them. The Exmoor Mires Project is currently going through the motions of restoring 2,500 hectares of peat bogs. To make this work, experts must block drainage ditches and while they are going through this process, archaeologists have taken advantage of the opportunity to explore the depths of the wettest highlands in the south of England. There have been some rather significant discoveries to boot, with previously unrecorded, prehistoric features including cairns, burial mounds and standing stones. What’s notable about all of this information is that it proves Exmoor was a far more thriving location thousands of years ago than previously believed. Furthermore, there are some remains that archaeologists revealed could point to the notion that high moorlands were occupied by mankind as many as 8,000 years ago! And what has to be the most captivating and intriguing of all the findings was the uncovering of extensive remains including an occupation site dating to the Mesolithic and Neolithic between 6000BC and 3000BC. If you fancy exploring Exmoor for yourself then you can do so while enjoying a break at our North Devon family holidays here at Smythen Farm, which is just a short drive from the National Park. Image: Thierry Gregorius under Creative Commons.

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