MMO3267 - Possible post-medieval water meadow south and east of Fyldon Wood (Monument)

Several post-medieval leats are visible on aerial photographs as earthworks to the south and east of Fyldon Wood, North Molton. Centred at approximately SS 7447 3444 and covering an area of some 3 hectares, four leats are visible stretching across the east facing slope above a small brook or stream. Their precise function is uncertain, but they may be the remains of a water meadow system, known locally as a catchwater meadow system. These used a series of approximately parallel gutters to distribute flowing water evenly over the surface of the meadow in order to prevent freezing in winter and encourage early growth in spring, thereby providing extra feed for livestock. Most catchwater meadows are believed to date to the post-medieval period, although it is possible that they were first developed in 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]