Lynchet

A lynchet is a terraced feature on a hillside, formed by soil creep and cultivation over long periods. They are typically found in areas with a history of agriculture on slopes. Lynchets are essentially steps or terraces that run along the contours of a slope.

Formation:

Lynchets are formed through a combination of natural processes and human activity:

• Soil Creep: The slow, downhill movement of soil due to gravity.
• Cultivation: Ploughing and other agricultural activities that move soil downhill over time. As soil is repeatedly ploughed downhill, it accumulates against any existing obstruction, such as a hedge or a naturally occurring bank.
• Terracing Effect: The accumulation of soil creates a bank, which in turn traps more soil, gradually forming a terrace or step.

Types:

Lynchets can be broadly classified into two types:

• Positive Lynchets: These are formed where soil accumulates against an obstruction, creating a raised bank.
• Negative Lynchets: These are formed where soil is eroded away, leaving a scarp or cut into the hillside.

Often, both positive and negative lynchets will be found together, creating a series of terraces up the hillside.

Significance:

Lynchets are important features for several reasons:

• Agricultural History: They provide evidence of past agricultural practices and land use. The size, shape, and arrangement of lynchets can reveal information about the type of crops grown, the tools used, and the intensity of cultivation.
• Landscape Archaeology: They are important features in the landscape and can provide insights into the history and evolution of the landscape.
• Soil Conservation: While their original formation might have been due to soil movement, in some instances, they can act to stabilize slopes and reduce soil erosion.