East Garston Ditch at the northern end disappears probably due to the plough. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch at the northern end looking south. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch at the northern end. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch where the footpath crosses the feature looking south. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch looking south from the high point. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
Looking north along the East Garston Ditch. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch at the 4 furlong marker. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch at the point where the footpath crosses the feature. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
East Garston Ditch at the 5 furlong marker. The linear feature runs roughly north-south with the eastern bank higher than the western bank. Ditch depth is variable along the length from
The ditch varies from less than 1m deep to approximately 1.5m deep.
The feature sinuously runs towards the ridge and at the northern extent finishes at the ‘7’ furlong marker alongside the fenceline. From the ground feature it would seem that this did continue into the field, but ploughing has removed all trace.
The downland here is very open and gives 360 degree views of rolling chalk hills.
Before leaving I repeated dowsing the feature, as I had done at various points along the ditch; I leave it to others to determine what response you see.
Living locally and having seen this entry lacking for a long time I decided to tab out onto the Wessex Downland and see what I could find.
Looking at the OS 1:25000 map there was an intersection between a footpath and the feature so heading out from Jimmies Farm I soon came out onto the open downland and the “scars” of the horse gallops.
Finding the required footpath, I tabbed across the gallop; the feature is very obvious in the landscape due to the rough grass that is uncut compared to the gallops.
Looking south from the intersection, the feature becomes less clear and according to the map and Pastscape the feature ends in a series of banks which have been identified as later post-Medieval sheep compounds.
Looking north from here, the ditch can be clearly seen as a north-south running feature with an easterly bank which is higher, and better preserved, than the westerly bank, which seems to have suffered more erosion.
Everytrail entry for East Garston Ditch with additional photos and GPS data.
EH Pastscape monument record for East Garston Ditch
