Sunken lanes in southern England: A review

Sunken lanes or hollow ways are widely recognised in southern England but have rarely been considered in the geological or geomorphological literature. They occur more frequently in internet sources and guides to walking routes and Green Lanes. Archaeologists have also described hollow ways at excavated prehistoric sites. The current review suggests that they are concentrated on certain soft Mesozoic lithologies but that any survey is likely to grossly underrepresent their frequency. However, high density areas in Somerset, the Chilterns, East and West Sussex, Dorset and the Weald can be identified. The sunken lanes are important elements of the cultural landscape with a close relationship to the underlying geology. Other factors, especially a long history of usage by people, animals and the development of tracks and roads, help to explain their distribution. Their importance as sites of biodiversity, geological and historical value suggests that more should be done to investigate, protect and record the sunken lanes of southern England.