Chains (geological site)

The Chains is the name given to the north-west plateau of Exmoor, Somerset, England. This plateau lies above the 1,500 feet (457 m) contour line, and includes the source of the River Barle.

It lies roughly within a triangle of land between Simonsbath, Challacombe and Lynton and has few distinguishing features. The highest point is at Chains Barrow - 1,599 feet (487 m).

It is a Geological Conservation Review site,[1] recognised as being nationally important for its south-western lowland heath communities and for transitions from ancient semi-natural woodland through upland heath to blanket mire. The Chains provides a palynological record of a mid to late Flandrian vegetation history on Exmoor. The pollen sequence in the peat is calibrated by radiocarbon dating.[2]

On the Chains above Simonsbath is a 3 acres (1.2 ha) reservoir known as Pinkery Pond. It was formed by John Knight and his son in the 19th century by damming the River Barle. The pond was originally intended to be 7 acres (2.8 ha). Its purpose is unknown but close to the pond are the remains of a small canal.[3]

Long Chains Combe is the site of several standing stones which have been designated as scheduled monuments.[4][5]

References

  1. ↑ "The Chains (Quaternary of South-West England)". Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Retrieved 17 November 2013.
  2. ↑ "North Exmoor". English Nature. Retrieved 2006-08-19.
  3. ↑ Warren, Derrick (2005). Curious Somerset. Stroud: Sutton Publishing. pp. 107–108. ISBN 978-0-7509-4057-3.
  4. ↑ "Long Chains Combe North: a stone setting 120m WNW of the sheepfold". National Heritage List for England. English Heritage. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  5. ↑ "Long Chains Combe South: two standing stones 380m south west of the sheepfold". National Heritage List for England. English Heritage. Retrieved 30 December 2014.

Coordinates: 51°10′N 3°48′W / 51.167°N 3.800°W