During a small excavation in 1996, evidence was found for agricultural activity dating from the Early Medieval period.

The earliest deposits were probably part of a sand bank containing water rolled Roman tile and pottery. The bank, which developed in the post-Roman period, was flaked by a lagoon and to the south and east by the sea. From the 8th century onwards the area was apparently farmed. Pottery was recovered from a topsoil spanning the 8th to 13th centuries. Two ditches may indicate later division of the cultivated land. There was also possible evidence of manuring using seaweed. The activity on the site ended by the early 13th century. (1)

<1> Canterbury Archaeological Trust, 1996, Plot 1, Dykeside Farm, West Hythe. Archaeological excavation (Unpublished document). SKE6671.