Hot summer is great for archaeology as hidden sites show through parched grass

Archaeologists are enjoying this summer’s hot spell because the sun-baked earth is revealing hidden landscapes and building layouts from centuries ago.

The phenomenon known as parch marks makes history easily accessible according to the University of Lincoln’s Professor Carenza Lewis, who has been encouraging people to use drones to photograph the land – or even get to an upstairs window – to catch a glimpse into the past.

The marks are visible from the ground too and no fancy equipment is needed.

They show up because buried rocks or stones – potential old roads or foundations – inhibit the growing of crops. The neighbouring section remains green even in the hot temperatures while the yellowing grass gives a tantalising glimpse into what is below – and what might have once stood above ground.

Samantha Stones, a curator for English Heritage spotted “a clear route” from the Roman North Gate to the centre of Silchester, near Basingstoke. English Heritage is working there to conserve the Roman town walls.

“The parch mark shows the route into/out of the town via the gate,” Stones told Press Association.

In Cambridge, the location of Second World War air raid shelters on Jesus Green was spotted by Sarah Poppy.

At the National Trust’s Clumber Park near Worksop, in Nottinghamshire, the rooms of the former mansion house were being mapped as the sun shone.

“This differential health of the vegetation when seen from above reflects the pattern of near-surface archaeological features and allows the outlines of long-gone buildings and other features to be mapped.”

Now there’s a hope that 2018 could be just as fruitful.

“For parch marks to appear circumstances have to be just right, but it is not uncommon,” added Barnes.

“The drought of 1976 is famous in British archaeology for revealing many previously unsuspected archaeological sites. 2018 could be a similarly productive year for new discoveries, buoyed by the advent of drone technology, which allows much easier access to aerial photography.”

Likewise, the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales described the “unprecedented spell of hot, dry weather” as perfect for archaeological aerial photography.

Its aerial investigator Dr Toby Driver has discovered lost monuments as he’s been documenting known sites over the past week.

One image shows either a prehistoric or Roman farm near Langstone, Newport in South Wales.

If you needed more of an excuse to get outside this summer, here it is.