Pen Pits

Pen Pits is a heritage site located in Somerset, England. Situated near the village of Ashcott, it is a unique and historically significant site that has attracted numerous visitors and researchers over the years.

The site is known for its extensive network of ancient earthworks, comprising a series of circular pits or depressions that give it its name. These pits, believed to be of prehistoric origin, cover an area of approximately 200 acres. The pits vary in size, with some measuring up to 15 meters in diameter and 3 meters in depth. The purpose of these pits remains a subject of speculation, with theories ranging from defensive structures to storage facilities.

Excavations and surveys conducted at Pen Pits have unearthed various artifacts, including pottery fragments, flint tools, and animal bones, providing valuable insights into the lives and activities of the people who occupied the area in ancient times. The site has been found to have been continuously inhabited from the Late Bronze Age to the Iron Age, approximately between 1000 BC and 100 AD.

Pen Pits is also known for its rich biodiversity. The site encompasses a range of habitats, including woodland, grassland, and wetland areas, which support a diverse array of flora and fauna. It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its importance for wildlife conservation.

Visitors to Pen Pits can explore the various trails and footpaths that wind through the site, allowing them to appreciate both its historical and natural heritage. Interpretive panels and information boards provide further insight into the site's significance and its ecological importance.