Site Event/Activity record ENT5015 - Geophysical Survey near Fernwood, Newark on Trent

Location

Location Fernwood, Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire
Grid reference Centred SK 82800 50295 (1571m by 2880m)
Map sheet SK85SW
District Newark
Civil Parish Newark, Newark

Technique(s)

Organisation

Pre-Construct Geophysics

Date

Not recorded.

Map

Description

The north extension lies to the north and north-east of Fernwood. It comprises c. 54ha within six arable fields bounded by hedgerows. The south extension is located to the immediate south-west of Fernwood (centred at NGR: SK 8230 4991). It comprises c. 42ha of land within four distinct blocks of land. The survey was undertaken in November and December 2013 using Bartington Grad-601 Dual Fluxgate Gradiometers. The zigzag traverse method of survey was used, with readings taken at 0.25m intervals along 1.0m wide traverses. The survey recorded well-defined traces of an enclosure and ring ditch at the eastern side of the north extension. Both appear to contain internal features, including a possible circular ditch in the southwestern corner of the enclosure. The easternmost extent of the latter has been identified as a cropmark. The results also suggest the presence of a ditch to the northeast of the enclosure. Potential ditches and pits were also detected in the north extension. These include the eastern extent of a posible rectilinear enclosure in the central part of the survey area and an isolated group of potential pits c.100m to its southeast. A small group of possible of pits were recorded in the south-western part of the site. Widespread traces of ploughed out ridge and furrow were recorded in the central part of the site, predominately in the westen half of the north extension. Modern responses include strong variation associated with former RAF Balderton, modern services, and boundary fencing. The survey also registered probable land drains and residual traces of recently removed boundaries. The survey has not recorded clear evidence of presumed geological features, as depicted on aerial photograhs, although weak linear and discrete anomalies probably relate to alluvial deposits. There is minimal geophysical evidence of potential archaeological remains in the south extension However, a number of linear anomalies recorded in the mid-eastern part of the south extension exhibit some potential as ditches, possibly including a partially resolved ring ditch. Elsewhere, the bulk of stronger variation clearly (or probably) relates to airfield features. This includes a number of services and in situ remains of the buildings complex to the west of the airfield entrance from The Great North Road. These lay on land encompassing the site of an existing bungalow and land to its south. The survey also recorded a number of known former boundaries and land drains. Some of the latter might relate directly to the airfield. Interestingly, there is minimal geophysical evidence of the major runway, which suggests relatively shallow construction ground work.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: David Bunn. 2013. Archaeological Geophysical Survey: Fernwood Extension North and Fernwood Extension South West, Newark on Trent, Nottinghamshire.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Record last edited

Jul 9 2024 4:19PM

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