MMO1804 - Post-medieval water meadow west of Slattenslade Farm (Monument)

A post-medieval catchwater meadow system is visible as a series of earthworks above a stream known as Hanging Water. It appears to be connected to the farmyard at Slattenslade, suggesting that this was an integrated system.

A post-medieval water meadow system, known locally as a catchwater meadow system, is visible as a series of earthworks to the west of Slattenslade Farm above a stream known as Hanging Water. Centred at SS 6779 4845, three gutters are visible running approximately north south following the contours on a west facing slope. They vary in length from 50 to 120 metres and in width from 1 to 3 metres. Catchwater meadows used a series of approximately parallel gutters to distribute flowing water evenly over the surface of the meadow in order to encourage early growth in spring and prevent freezing in winter, thus allowing animals to graze for longer. This system appears to be connected to the farmyard at Slattenslade, suggesting that this was an integrated system which in addition to water also distributed liquid manure as fertiliser. Most catchwater systems are believed to date to the post-medieval period, although it is possible that they were developed during the medieval period. [1-3] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [4]