MEM23207 - Possible prehistoric clearance cairn on Lanacombe (Monument)

A possible prehistoric clearance cairn was noted during field investigation in 2013. The feature was seen as a low mound marked by a well defined vegetation change. Probing suggests the feature’s makeup is not especially stony.

As part of the Exmoor Mires Project, Cornwall Council Historic Environment Service were contracted to undertake a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Lanacombe, which included this site. Visible was a clearance cairn, seen as a low mound 2 metres in diameter and up to 0.15 metres high. No stone is visible but was detected by probing. [1] The Historic Environment Officer for the Exmoor Mires Project undertook a non-intrustive walkover survey of the proposed mire restoration area on Lanacombe, which included this site. Noted was a low mound 2 metres in diameter and up to 0.15 metres high. It is marked by a well defined vegetation change. Probing suggests the feature’s makeup is not especially stony. The feature may be a prehistoric clearance cairn, but may also have a natural origin. [2]