Source/Archive record (Unpublished document) SNT5778 - Heron Solar Farm, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Geophysical Survey

Title Heron Solar Farm, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Geophysical Survey
Author/Originator
Date/Year 2023

Abstract/Summary

An archaeological geophysical survey was undertaken, using magnetic gradiometry to investigate the potential for buried archaeological remains prior to a proposed development at land located north of Stragglethorpe Road, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham, NG12 3HA. The survey area consists of arable land roughly 1km south of Radcliffe on Trent that was stubble at the time of survey, that covers land gently sloping down from Stragglethorpe Road in the south to a stream running east-west which forms the northern border of the survey area. Some parts along the northern boundary and the tip of the north-west corner of the survey area could not be completed due to trees and scrub vegetation. The soil and geological environment of the survey area has proven suitable for magnetic gradiometry, with a wide range of anomalies identified in the results. Overall, the magnetic background is quiet, but some historic features have produced strong magnetic contrasts. This suggests that substantial archaeological features present in the survey area would have been identified, had they been present. The only anomalies interpreted as being of possible archaeological interest are a series of weak liner trends and spreads of material in the northwest of the survey area, continuing in a broad band to the central part of the area. These are characteristic of (truncated) cut and filled linear features, such as ditches. Though the anomalies are too discontinuous to offer a concrete date or function, if they are archaeological in nature then they most likely relate to field boundaries or enclosures. The survey has identified strong anomalies associated with former field boundaries attested on historic maps. There is also a patch of possible ridge and furrow cultivation in the southwest of the survey area. The survey is dominated to some degree by linear trends of dipolar anomalies in a closely spaced parallel pattern. This is characteristic of steam ploughing, and the survey results suggested it occurred throughout the survey area, though with varying intensity. The high voltage overhead power line that crosses the site has caused some interference, as have the ferrous pylons carrying it, but this has not greatly impacted the reliability of the survey. Similarly, the expected magnetic disturbance is evident along survey margins, and results from adjacent infrastructure and ferrous materials in the boundaries themselves. Limited anomalies of uncertain origin have been identified by the survey. It is possible that there are weaker anomalies present within the survey area, but masked by nearby stronger features, or that there are features which lack magnetic contrast that have remained undetected, but overall it is unlikely that the survey area contains substantial sub-surface remains of archaeological interest that have not been recognised.

External Links (0)

Description

Results of a geophysical survey. Report includes greyscale plot, interpretation and XY traces

Location

Referenced Monuments (1)

  • Linear features at Heron Solar Farm, Radcliffe on Trent (Element)

Referenced Events (1)

  • Geophysical Survey at Heron Solar Farm, Radcliffe on Trent

Record last edited

Aug 13 2024 11:43AM

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