The Studland Circles – Location: There are two local groups of circles with the main group on the Studland Peninsula where in a recent survey over 70 were recorded and a second smaller group centred at Greenlands of over 13 were recorded. Both sites have suffered some damage from activity during WW2 but those at Greenlands have been badly eroded and are less well defined with many only visible with seasonal changes in vegetation. The land use at Greenlands is more suitable for agriculture and it is likely that many more have been destroyed by grazing and WW2 activity where tank tracks can be seen on some of the early aerial photos. The circles are considered to be man made and predate 1860, when they were first observed by Rev John Austen. Excavation by RCHM in 1960’s came to no definite conclusion as to there use and found no evidence of industrial activity such as burning or buildings. Structure of the circles.  Most are between 20m – 30m in diameter and with the better preserved examples the surrounding bank is c 50cm.  The inner area is level and one or two examples have been deliberately cut into the slope of the terrain to make them level. Many hold water even in short dry spells but the circle excavated in 2009 was dry – one reason it was selected. Many with wet interiors are easily observed by the change in vegetation [marsh grass]  Geology – Blown sand  [3 – 6m] range above sea level Excavation 2009: Although no absolute dating is evident from the initial results of the recent excavation there is clearer understanding of the structure. The circle excavated is cut into the upper layer of blown sand and the ArchGeological report suggests the circle was constructed by removing the turf from the interior and using it to construct the perimeter bank. The environmental development of the sand layers is considered to have taken place in the post medieval period (since 1500) and likely to be 18th century or later. Possible uses – the excavation gave little support to any suggested use and the lack of any absolute dating means it is difficult to concentrate on a specific period in the documentary record. Various theories have been put forward and further research on probable use is needed.