The field between the Dunmore Road and Wootton Road, currently being developed for new houses, has been used for agriculture since at least 1880 and probably much further back.
The earth or soil here comprises a topsoil of clay with a subsoil of stiffer clay and bands of sand and gravel.
The British Geological Survey of the area indicates that beneath the soil is harder Amphill & Kimmeridge Clay from the Jurassic Period.
Since my last visit to the development, the speed limit on the Abingdon outer relief road has changed from 40 MPH to 30 MPH near where the new housing is to be.
The Wootton Road is closed both sides of the Wotton Road roundabout for a few weeks, although you can still go round the outer relief road.
For more pictures of Earth in all its meanings (from soil to the environment to the whole planet) visit City Daily Photo – Theme Day,
