Dartmoor National Park Authority

Shaugh Moor

This PAL contains a well defined and preserved archaeological landscape containing a variety of sites which indicate human occupation over a period of about 4000 years.  It is important in the history of archaeological discovery on Dartmoor as it was the location of several seasons of important excavations in the 1970s which greatly improved our understanding of prehistoric archaeology on Dartmoor.

There are two slightly damaged stone rows by Collard Tor and a rather finer example at the northern end of the PAL.  Also at the NE end are a number of prehistoric burial sites (cairns) in the form of low stony, vegetation-covered mounds and another form of ceremonial site, the ring cairn (a level area surrounded by a low circular or oval rubble wall).   

A prehistoric field system covers most of the Moor, although the area around Beatland Corner is surprising free of archaeology.  Long straight parallel field boundaries (reaves) can clearly be seen running in a NE/SW direction.  Others run in the opposite direction, subdividing the long narrow fields.  Towards the NE edge of the Moor, the field boundaries finish up against a long NW/SE reave, known as the Saddlesborough Reave; this marks the upper limit of enclosed land in prehistoric times.  Reaves appear on the ground as low stony, vegetation-covered banks, sometimes picked out by bracken.  The present day field boundaries, particularly around Wotter and north of Shaden Moor are clearly built on top of prehistoric reaves.

The field system is about three and a half thousand years old and contains the remains of stone built round houses (hut circles).  Two of the hut circles are enclosed by a drystone wall; this enclosure is thought to have been constructed later than the reaves.  NE of the Saddlesborough Reave are a number of hut circles, some associated with enclosures, others not; these may well have been occupied on a seasonal basis, during summer pasturing.  

Medieval use of the area is represented by a small field system that is located below Hawks’ Tor.

A Second World War installation, possibly a fighter control site, was built to the south of Hawks’ Tor; Concrete transmitter bases and building foundations are clearly visible.

The stone rows, prehistoric remains NE of the Saddlesborough Reave and two small parts of the reave system are currently designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs).

The main habitats of the PAL are acid grassland and Western Heath. Two UK BAP species (Wilson’s and Tunbridge Filmy Ferns) are present in the area and are associated with the clitter slopes.

What it should look like: This site includes some enclosed land. A short acid grassland sward  (less than 20 cm) should dominate the moorland areas. Some areas of Bracken and Common Gorse should be controlled. The ultimate aim would be removal across substantial areas of the PAL.

Interactive Mapping (GIS) System

The link below provides access to an interactive map which shows the PAL at Shaugh Moor.  You can zoom in further on a specific area of interest using the tools provided.  (For additional help using the system please refer to our GIS help page.)

Page updated 16 September 2009