Stop 10: Double Dykes – Iron Age defences
These are defensive earthworks, so far unexcavated by archaeologists. They were built in phases by the Ancient Britons more than 2000 years ago during a period we call the Iron Age.
They consisted of an inner, higher bank with a wooden stockade, and outer bank and two ditches (the outer one is now filled in) and stretched from the sea to the harbour, completing the defence of a settlement that became one of Britain's principal trading ports.
An earlier Iron Age ditch and bank can be seen in the low cliff face 100m east of the Double Dykes.
Cotswold sheep
Our small herd of Cotswold Sheep help to graze sensitive areas such as Double Dykes. Sheep are the perfect choice, as they are able to keep the scrub and grass down to a short height – preventing larger plants with longer roots developing (which also destabilises the banks).
The Cotswold sheep (known as Cotswold Lions), are largely credited with the boom of wool production that has left the area of the Cotswold Hills with a rich history of farms and market towns. But their numbers have declined over the centuries, as other breeds have become more fashionable.
Since the end of the First World War, their numbers have increased however, thanks largely to the efforts of the Cotswold Sheep Society. The Cotswold Lion does not require any shelter as their coat has developed protection against the UK climate.
Check out our meet the sheep video on Facebook.
Walk complete
Thank you for following the Doggy Do Code and we hope you enjoyed our dog walking trail!
You can see full details of the Doggy Do Code on the Dorset Dogs website.
Now head back to the Hiker café (the starting point) to grab a nice drink and a snack for you and your pup. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area of the café.
The Visitor Centre
Or perhaps take a trip to the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre to have a browse around the shop and museum to learn a bit more?”
