Dartmoor National Park Authority

Shovel Down / Kes Tor

This PAL contains archaeological evidence and upstanding features that indicate human activity throughout prehistoric times (c. 10,000 BC – AD43).  It is this fact which has caused this area to be of great interest to archaeologists over the last 200 years. Major excavations were undertaken in the Kestor area in the 1950s and there are currently two research projects being undertaken – on Shovel Down and near Teigncombe.

A large collection of flint tools was discovered around Batworthy, much of which dates to the Mesolithic period, 12,000 to 6,500 years ago.

Shovel Down is the location of a complex of prehistoric ritual monuments, constructed about 4,000 years ago. The presence of five stone rows, a possible stone circle, standing stones and associated burial mounds (cairns) makes this one of the most complex and significant ritual landscapes on Dartmoor.

From a slightly later period (about 3,500 years ago) are extensive prehistoric field systems, enclosures and the remains of round houses.  Long straight parallel field boundaries (reaves) cross the landscape in a NE/SW direction.  At certain points reaves run in the opposite direction (NW/SE), subdividing the long narrow fields or creating larger blocks of fields. Reaves appear on the ground as low stony, vegetation-covered banks.  

This area is important because it appears to be much more complex than many of the reave systems on Dartmoor and may well represent a number of different phases of boundary and house construction over a period of time.  Also important is the fact that Iron Age and even Roman pottery has been found on the lower slopes of Chagford Common, which, together with the discovery of flints makes this one of the longest, most continuously occupied areas in prehistoric and immediately post prehistoric times.

Unusually there is little evidence for agricultural occupation in medieval times, although there was industrial activity; the valley bottom of the North Teign River and its tributaries has been turned over in the search for tin ore; and the area is crossed by a number of leats, significantly the Southill Leat, first documented in 1505.

Approximately one third of the PAL area has been designated as Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs).

The PAL includes part of the North Dartmoor SSSI and Dartmoor SAC. Several key UK BAP species are present and all are associated with the valley mire habitats and bracken stands that exist on the moorland fringes. They are: Insects- Marsh Fritillary, Narrow-bordered Bee Hawkmoth (Pearl-bordered Fritillary is found on adjacent land). Birds- Curlew, Snipe, Lapwing.

What it should look like: The wet mires/bogs should remain open. The drier areas, particularly in the southwest of the PAL around Shovel Down, to the north of Kes Tor and on Thornworthy Down should become dominated by short acid grassland up to 15 cm and shorter, to 10 cm, where subtle features, such as ridge and furrow, are present.  Western Heath and some Heathland may be allowed to grow up south of Kes Tor and in the far West of the PAL away from archaeological interest. Areas of Common Gorse should be controlled with the ultimate aim of eradication.

Interactive Mapping (GIS) System

The link below provides access to an interactive map which shows the PAL at Shovel Down / Kes Tor.  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