Land between Boslowen Higher Lane and Tregoranne, Mawgan, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Cornwall: Results of a Geophysical Survey

This report presents the results of a geophysical survey that was carried out by South West Archaeology Ltd. (SWARCH) for a proposed residential development on land between Boslowen Higher Lane and Tregoranne, Mawgan, Mawgan-in-Meneage, Cornwall. The geophysical survey was carried out in accordance with best practice and in line with CIfA guidance. It followed the guidance that is outlined in: Geophysical Survey in Archaeological Field Evaluation (English Heritage 2008); Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Geophysical Survey (CIfA 2014); and EAC Guidelines for the Use of Geophysics in Archaeology: Questions to Ask and Points to Consider (Europae Archaeologiae Consilium/European Archaeological Council 2016). The geophysical survey identified eight groups of anomalies that comprised c.17 anomalies. This included a mixture of linear ditch and/or bank features that are associated with phases of the existing and the historic field system and possible pits and/or tree throws. The geophysical survey also identified evidence for agricultural activity and anomalies that are associated with metallic debris, ground disturbance, and geological variation. The anomalies cannot, at this stage, be dated, though they are likely to pre-date the mid-19th century field layout; indeed, historic mapping indicates that the field layout has not changed for almost 200 years. The results of the geophysical survey would suggest that the archaeological potential of the site is low. The identified features are likely to relate to historic phases of field system that are tentatively suggested as being medieval and post medieval in date; these features generally do not continue into the development area. Whilst some features within the wider survey area are tentatively suggested as having the potential to relate to prehistoric settlement activity, their responses are difficult to discern from the background geology and they may in fact be natural in origin. Any development of the site is likely to encounter and destroy the buried archaeological resource (should it be present). A further programme of archaeological works would help to validate and clarify the results of the geophysical survey, though this is unlikely to be a worthwhile exercise and thus no further archaeological works are recommended in this instance.