Settlements have dotted the Ridge from the Bronze age onwards, with evidence of Iron age farming and a Roman presence at a number of sites. Moated sites and historic villages cores have strong medieval links.

Agriculture plays a prominent role along the Ridge. Market gardening was commonplace in the Ivel Valley and around Maulden, with advancements in agricultural engineering and experimental farms driving forward innovation. Significant areas were drained and enclosed in the nineteenth century, creating the mosaic of farmland that continues throughout the Ridge today.

The Ridge supported key local industries, with quarrying prevalent across Greensand Country. The extraction of sandstone, sand, and gravel was commonplace to provide building materials, whilst products such as Fuller’s Earth were used in more specialist applications such as ‘fulling’ wool and later in cosmetics and special effects. Local brickmaking is often evident in names with ‘kiln’ that can still be seen today. 

Preserving rural and heritage skills, such as stone masonry, woodland craft, and coppicing, are vital to ensure that we stay connected with the landscape and its history.