Land east of Orchard View, Dunkeswell, Devon: Results of an archaeological trench evaluation

An archaeological trench evaluation was undertaken by AC archaeology during August 2025 on land east of Orchard View, Dunkeswell, Devon. The site is located within the Blackdown Hills. in a landscape where there is extensive evidence for early iron ore extraction and iron working. The evaluation comprised the machine excavation of nine trenches totalling 255m in length, with each 1.8m wide and positioned to target anomalies identified by previous geophysical survey as well as to test 'blank areas'. The evaluation confirmed that the interpreted geophysical survey anomalies mainly represented either natural tree throws or variations in the natural geology. A single very modern pit containing a length of baling twine in its fill was the only feature recorded. No evidence for early iron ore extraction or prospecting was present, with the only find recovered comprising a single piece of prehistoric worked flint from the topsoil.