Aerial photographs point to an intensive network of ditches in 'The Wicks', a silted low to the south-west of Lydd. Looking at this evidence on the ground, it appears to represent slightly curved ridges and furrows and more closely-spaced rectangular ditches. Theditches appear to be related to a former main water-course. The system of ditches is crossed by two W - E embankments - the Upper Wick Wall and the Lower Wick Wall, both of which are continuations of medieval walls on Walland Marsh. Small fans of shingle interrupting the ditches along the west edge of the Wicks, suggests that at some time the sea was a threat. This may have occurred in the C13th, when fifty years of phenomenal storms (1236-1287) coincided with a slight rise in sea-level. This pattern of evidence suggests a certain chronology. The shingle ridges of the Forelands and Holmstone arose c.3000 years ago, buildingup from west to east. This was followed by silting of 'The Wicks'. Early occupation and agricultural activity is testified by ridge and furrow. A later activity, possibly salt-working is suggested by the more closely spaced rectangular ditches. The shingle fans and Wick Walls added to the ditch system suggest that by the mid C13 the sea was threatening the Wicks from the west. The Wicks Sewer was later re-dug in a straightened course, and Poker's map suggests that this had taken place before 1617. (1)

<1> Arch Cant 99 1983 273-276 (J Eddison) (OS Card Reference). SKE36349.