Nythe Road Solar Farm, Pedwell, 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 magnetic responses which have been interpreted as being of archaeological interest. Ditch-like anomalies, trends and pits are visible in Area 1, and some of the response appear to form enclosures. These anomalies could mark the location of a small settlement or farmstead, which may extend outside the survey area. Ridge and furrow cultivation has been plotted in Area 1 and numerous uncertain responses are visible across the magnetic data; the majority are due to underlying natural variations or agricultural processes. However, archaeological origins cannot be entirely discounted for all of the uncertain anomalies, especially in Area 18. A former field boundary has been marked in Areas 17 and 19, plus land drains have been recorded in many of the areas. Sinuous bands of increased response and amorphous discrete anomalies have been caused by variation in the underlying geology or alluvial deposits. Areas 5, 6, 7, 21 and 22 appear to have been affected by the spreading of green waste.