Archaeological Geophysical Survey of the Revised Pipeline Route, Gloucester Security of Supply Scheme, Tewkesbury and the Vale of Avon

Phase Site Investigations Ltd was commissioned by Dr Glyn Davies of ARCUS to carry out an archaeological geophysical survey, utilising magnetic gradiometers, along three revised sections of the proposed Gloucester security of supply scheme water pipeline route. A geophysical survey was undertaken of the initial pipeline route by Phase Site Investigations Ltd in April 2009 (project number ARC/218/147). This survey corridor was approximately 17km by 30m and ran from Coombe Hill, Gloucestershire in the south (NGR SO 892 269) to Strensham Water Treatment Works, Worcestershire in the north (approximate NGR SO 914 395). The first revised section was approximately 0.8km long and ran from Warders Farm (approximate NGR SO 921 303) towards Fiddington (approximate NGR SO 922 305). The second section was approximately 0.7km long and ran through fields to the east of Kinsham (approximate NGR SO 944 354) north towards Kemerton (approximate NGR SO 943 361). The third section was approximately 0.4km long and ran through fields to the west of Bredons Norton (approximate NGR SO 924 391) towards Strensham Water treatment Works (approximate NGR SO 923 395). A 30m wide strip was surveyed along all parts of the route which were accessible and amenable for survey. The aim of the survey was to help establish the presence / absence, extent, character, relationships and date (as far as circumstances and the inherent limitations of the technique permit) of archaeological features within the revised route section. The majority of the anomalies identified by this survey are thought to relate to agricultural practice /features (including ridge and furrow) or modern material /objects. There are several areas where very strong responses from modern features dominate the surrounding data. It should be recognised that the strength of the strong response could mask anomalies from other sub-surface features in the area. A number of other anomalies have been identified whose cause cannot be determined. An archaeological origin cannot be completely ruled out for many of these but without supporting evidence it is considered more likely that the majority these are caused by natural magnetic variations, quarry activity or modern features. Field 23R contains anomalies that suggest the possible presence of archaeological activity. Field 24R contains numerous anomalies indicative of archaeological activity. Fields 57R and 58R contain numerous anomalies that could be archaeological in origin. The extensive sub-surface disturbance however cast doubts upon their origin as possible quarry activity and backfilling could also produce similar features. The cause of these anomalies cannot therefore be determined.