Geophysical Survey at Isley Woodhouse

Most of the survey was carried out using an eight channel SenSYS MX V3 cart system containing eight FGM650 sensors. Readings are taken every 20MHz (between 0.05 and 0.1m). Data were recorded onto a device, using a Carlson GNSS Smart antenna, for centimetre accuracy. These readings were stored in the memory of the instrument and downloaded for processing and interpretation. DLMGPS and MAGNETO software, alongside bespoke in-house software was used to process and present the data. Fields 46-48 were conducted using Bartington Grad601 magnetic gradiometers. These were employed taking readings at 0.25m intervals on zig-zag traverses 1.0m apart within 30m by 30m grids, so that 3600 readings were recorded in each grid. These readings were stored in the memory of the instrument and later downloaded to computer for processing and interpretation. Bespoke in-house software was used to process and present the data. A geophysical (magnetometer) survey was undertaken on approximately 314 hectares of land located to the south of East Midlands Airport and between Diseworth and Isley Walton, Leicestershire. The majority of the anomalies recorded are agricultural including former field boundaries, medieval/post-medieval ridge and furrow cultivation, modern ploughing and land drains. Archaeological and possible archaeological responses have been recorded within the Site. These comprise rectilinear enclosures, linear ditches and trends, possibly indicative of prehistoric or Roman activity. Uncertain anomalies recorded within the data may also have an anthropogenic origin. Magnetic disturbance in the northeast of the Site corresponds with military camps associated with RAF Castle Donnington. Other disturbance within the dataset can be attributed to adjacent tracks and metal fencing within field boundaries and also 'green manuring' in one of the fields. Former ponds and service pipes have also been recorded. Geological responses seen within the dataset reflect either former water courses, the topography of the site, or discrete pockets of natural variations. Based on the geophysical survey, the archaeological potential of this Site is deemed to be high where there are areas of activity and low elsewhere.