Later prehistoric features including several probable ring ditches, ditches, and pits were excavated at Lower Herne Village, Strode Farm, during an evaluation in 2021.

A number of refuse pits containing domestic waste were environmentally sampled, with several found to contain evidence of in situ burning, charred plant remains, and charcoal deposits (predominantly oak).

The ditches dating from this period have been interpreted by the authors of the report as potentially representing the remains of enclosures or field systems.

The most complete ring ditch was represented by a large steeply sloping ditch over 1.2m in depth. This feature was difficult to date; pottery recovered from the fill of the ditch comprised late Bronze Age and early Iron Age pot sherds, and a probably residual assemblage of late Iron Age and early Roman pottery (10-70 AD). The possible projected extent of the ring ditch is recorded on the GIS.

Four cremation urns were identified in the trench adjacent to the ring ditch. These were unexcavated but the form and shell tempered fabric of the vessels appeared prehistoric in date, leading to the interpretation that they could have been related to the ring ditch. Two of these vessels were recovered from the fill of a ditch postulated to be part of the ring ditch itself.

A second ring ditch was potentially identified to the south west of the first, represented by another large curvilinear ditch associated with scatters of fire cracked flint. This feature was not excavated.

Materials recovered from across the site include fired clay and daub sugggesting the presence of buildings and structures. This evidence, alongside the refuse pits, is indicative of domestic settlements at the site during this time.

The incline at the north-east end of site, alongside the fact that some features were found cut into colluvium, suggests that a dry valley existed in this area. (1)

<1> Archaeology South-East, 2021, Archaeological Evaluation Report Land at Lower Herne Village, Strode Farm Lower Herne Road Kent (Unpublished document). SKE58152.