Geophysical Survey at Hurst Green, Oxted, Surrey

Magnetometry survey using SENSYS FGM650 sensors with data logger. Readings were recorded at a resolution of 0.01nT and data collected with a traverse interval of 1 m and a sample interval of 0.13 - 0.25 m using a hand-pushed non-magnetic cart-based configuration The geophysical survey produced good results and confirmed the presence of anomalies that have been interpreted as possibly archaeological in origin. Two, broadly rectilinear anomalies are located close to the eastern boundary of the survey area. These anomalies are suggestive of ditch features, possibly indicating enclosures based on their shape, although any features are probably disturbed by agricultural activity and the interpretation is tentative. Another linear anomaly is located in the centre of the Site, the form of which is suggestive of a ditch feature. However, a modern agricultural origin such as a land drain cannot be ruled out for this anomaly. A former field boundary is noted within the centre of the Site and corresponds to 19th-century Ordnance Survey (OS) maps, highlighting historical periods of land division. Modern agricultural activity is visible within the dataset, as are modern land drains. Evidence of historical ploughing regimes is also noted, which are indicative of medieval or post-medieval cultivation.