There are several thousand archaeological sites and significant historical places along the South Downs that we already know about, but we can be sure that many more are just waiting to be discovered.
So how do we do go about finding them?
- By carrying out new research
- By making sure that everyone who visits the area is aware of its historical significance and looks for new sites, and
- By reviewing what it is we already know. Sometimes ideas change!
Where to find archaeological sites
Buried archaeological sites are generally found in river valleys, on the coastal plain, or on the lower slopes of the chalk ridge. This is because soil has moved during cultivation and formed a protective layer.
This is especially true of significant early human deposits such as that at Boxgrove near Chichester. But archaeological features in the South Downs survive best where there has been no modern - particularly 20th century - arable cultivation.
One of the best places to look for historic features is in woodland. Any areas that are wooded today, are likely to still contain significant archaeological remains such as prehistoric burial mounds as well as ancient fields and settlements, and are well worth a look.
In general, the older the woodland, the better the chances of finding archaeological remains of all periods. A very good example of this are the woods to the west of Arundel where a number of new discoveries have been made.
But maps showing where monuments exist along the South Downs tend to have large gaps where there is long-established woodland. So there is still much to be discovered in these areas.
