Strip Lynchets

Strip Lynchets near Winterbourne Steepleton  (OS ref : SY 619 899)

The largest remaining contour type man made strip lynchets are located on the west facing slopes of the valley through which Coombe Road to Portesham runs (formerly Abbot's Way). The photograph (above left) is a view south with the Hardy Monument on the ridgeway.

In the later medieval period, local population increases necessitated the steeper slopes of chalk coombes (hence the road name) to be cultivated by forming terraces for cultivation.

The treads (i.e. nearly flat areas) vary from 2m to 60m wide and the risers between these vary between 0.5m and 3.5m in height. These lynchets were once far more extensive in the parish and are thought by RCHM to total up to about 375 acres in area. 

The 1840 Tithe Map names the tread strips individually as White Horse, Taskers Bar, Walls, Benneck, and Crab Tree furlongs all in the open Middle Field.

Above :  Terracettes : These narrow parallel steps (arrowed above) are not man made and occur quite frequently in the steep side South Winterbourne valley. At a maximum, they are about 20” (500mm) wide and are a result of soil creep. Due to the force of gravity, moisture and frost action on the steep hillside. the soil particles move and slowly “flow” downhill. The grass holds the top layer in place but the soil slips down behind it forming the ridges. In places, animals and people using them as steps on the steep gradient tend to elongate the steps. These terracettes were photographed on the old track leading northwest from the church and mill.