Ditch Type
Ditch
A Ditch is any long and narrow trench or hollow that is dug into the ground.
Ditch - digital surface model polygon (red)
Ditch - digital surface model
Ditch - digital terrain model polygon (red)
Ditch - digital terrain model
Ditch - historic mapping polygon (red)
Ditch - historic mapping
Ditch - local relief model polygon (red)
Ditch - local relief model
Ditch - satellite polygon (red)
Ditch - satellite
Ditches have a variety of functions including water management and forming defences. Ditches are a component part of many other monument types (eg enclosure) so care should be taken to look for other evidence that may be associated with a ditch.
Over time, ditches fill in through natural erosion, soil development and farming activities like ploughing. This changes the original profile of the monument potentially leaving only a slight depression in the ground or just a crop mark or soil colour change.
If an associated monument type cannot be further narrowed down, the feature is best identified simply as a ‘ditch’.
