Little Asby Scar and Sunbiggin Tarn Common, Eden District, Cumbria. Archaeological Survey.

An archaeological desk-based assement of the Little Asby and Sunbiggin Tarn Common, Cumbria (centred at NY 680090; Fig 1) was undertaken, followed by a rapid identification survey in September 2003. The work was conducted by Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) on behalf of the Friends of the Lake District. The aim of the work was to provide archaeological information for the management of the landscape and the archaeological resource of the common. The programme of work involved a detailed assessment of the documentary sources relating to the area of the common and an identification survey of the whole extent of the estate.
The Study area is centred on the traditional boundaries of the common of Little Asby, which is located on lower land immediately to the north. The common has a wealth of archaeological remains of all periods, demonstrating the continued use of the common from prehistoric times onwards. There is a small but significant resource of prehistoric archaeological sites, ranging from lithic sites that date back to the Mesolithic, to a small cairnfield and associated field system, which includes a puttive round cairn.