Fordgate Farm Solar, North Petherton, Somerset

A temporary grid system was established over the site and marked out using canes. The location of the grid was set out using an RTK GPS system theoretically accurate to some 0.01m and referenced to OS co-ordinates. Data was collected using a cart carrying four paired Bartington magnetic sensors. Four sensors mounted 1m horizontally apart and very accurately aligned to nullify the effects of the earth's magnetic field. Readings relate to the difference in localised magnetic anomalies compared with the general magnetic background. Each data point is geographically referenced using an on-board Trimble RTK survey grade GPS system. Readings were taken at 0.125m centres along traverses 1.0m apart. Readings relate to the difference in localised magnetic anomalies compared with the general magnetic background. The magnetometer survey has recorded numerous magnetic responses that have been interpreted as being of archaeological interest. Enclosures, field systems, trackways, a ring-ditch, a tentative partial banjo enclosure and numerous pits have all been detected across the site. Many of the responses may be associated with known archaeological activity within the vicinity of the survey area. In the south of Area 6 a couple of magnetically strong responses may indicate the presence of kilns, ovens or small-scale industrial activity. There are many uncertain responses in the results including some pit-like anomalies which could be man-made, natural or reflect former woodland. Former field boundaries, watercourses and trackway are visible in the magnetic data. A series of land drains have also been detected in Areas 6, 10 and 11. Sinuous responses, discrete amorphous anomalies and zones of increased response have been detected which have been caused by underlying geological variations.