Yanel, north Somerset: Archaeological Geophysical Survey

AOC Archaeology Group was commissioned by Arcus Consultancy to undertake an archaeological geophysical gradiometer survey between the 18th of January 2021 and the 5th of February 2021 to investigate the potential for buried archaeological remains ahead of a proposed solar farm on land to the North of Common Lane, Yanel, North Somerset (centred at ST 42072 61313). A total of 65 hectares were surveyed and the results of the survey have identified the following: The gradiometer survey has not identified any anomalies or features of a definitive or possible archaeological nature. The data is dominated by strong responses of a natural origin which reflect variations in the underlying superficial geology which comprises Tidal Flat Deposits. These are particularly strong in the northwest of the site where the complexity of variation in the subsurface has resulted in not particularly coherent results. However, to the south, the background response becomes weaker and the anomalies more coherent with readily identifiable palaeochannels visible within the data. Across the Site several linear trends of an unclear origin were identified. These include the suggestion of a rectilinear enclosure in the south of the Site. While the alignment of the postulated enclosure, parallel to modern field boundaries, suggest it may have a more recent agricultural origin. Several additional ephemeral trends have also been noted throughout the Site. However, given that most of these trends lie in the south of the Site, only 100 - 150m from Romano-British features revealed by recent excavation. Several modern agricultural ploughing trends have been identified in the west of the site. Linear responses indicative of modern drainage features have been recorded in the east of the Site. Two well-defined areas of magnetic disturbance were detected in the southeast of the survey area. Several additional areas of magnetic disturbance, most likely the result of modern activity, were also recorded.