Geophysical Survey, Magnetometry Survey at Marley Lane Solar Farm

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 magnetic responses that have been interpreted as being of archaeological interest. In the north-east of Area 1 a series of linear trends and discrete anomalies could be gullies and/or foundations trenches for buildings. Other pit-like responses and a possible small oven have also been recorded within close proximity. It is possible that these responses are associated with WWII activity on the site. In Area 6 two adjoining enclosures along with other ditches and pits could mark the location of a small farmstead. Numerous responses of uncertain origin have also been recorded in the survey; they are likely to have been caused by a combination of underlying geological variations or agricultural processes. Former field boundaries, land drains, pipes and an overhead power line are visible in the survey and numerous sinuous anomalies plus bands of amorphous response are natural in origin. Overgrown vegetation in the south of Areas 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 plus an overhead power line in the south of Area 6 rendered parts of the site unsurveyable.