Principal Archaeological Landscape: Kitnor Heath (36)

Location Kitnor Heath is a prominent west-east ridge on the south side of the Quarme valley. It is an area of heathland, predominantly rough grass covered with patches of bracken and gorse. The west end of the PAL contains minority areas of heather. Description of Archaeology The PAL comprises a substantial discontinuous linear open work, most likely the result of iron extraction, up to 4m deep in places with areas of standing water and rushes at the bottom. At the east end in particular are areas of spoil that consist of large heaps of material, covered with vegetation, to approximately 1.5m high. There are also areas of broken ground which may represent small scale mineral prospecting and exploitation. The open work is thought to date to the 19th century, although it is possible mineral extraction was taking place at Kitnor Heath prior to this. Principal significance This PAL is significant due to the contribution it makes in understanding the development of mining on Exmoor in the 19th century, and the way in which this has shaped the moorland landscape today. The size of the mining features at Kitnor Heath is exceptional and the site is in a good state of preservation.