- Chains (geological site)
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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 distinguising features. The highest point is at Chains Barrow - 1,599 feet (487 m).
It is a Geological Conservation Review site 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 palynological record of a mid to late Flandrian vegetation history on Exmoor. The pollen sequence in the peat is calibrated by radiocarbon dating.[1]
On the Chains above Simonsbath is a 3 acres (1.2 ha) reservoir known as Pinkery Pond. It was formed by damming the River Barle, in the 19th century by John Knight and his son, and was originally intended to be 7 acres (2.8 ha). The purpose is unknown but close to the pond is the remains of a small canal.[2]
References
- ^ "North Exmoor". English Nature. http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1006541.pdf. Retrieved 2006-08-19.
- ^ Warren, Derrick (2005). Curious Somerset. Stroud: Sutton Publishing. pp. 107–108. ISBN 978-0-7509-4057-3.
Coordinates: 51°10′N 3°48′W / 51.167°N 3.8°W
Categories:- Exmoor
- Somerset geography stubs
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