Geophysical Survey at Dunholme Road, Scothern

The geophysical survey was undertaken between 15/11/2024 and 10/04/2025. All geophysical survey work was carried out in accordance with current good practice specified in the EAC guidelines document (Schmidt et al. 2015), as recommended by Historic England, and in the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists' Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Geophysical Survey (2014, updated 2020). Parameters and survey methods were selected that were suitable for the prospective aims of the survey and in accordance with recommended professional good practice (Schmidt et al. 2015). Digital photographs of every survey parcel were taken before, during and after geophysical survey to show any changes to field conditions following the programme of works. The photos were downloaded and stored off site, and relevant examples are included as Plates 1 to 4 in this report. The gradiometer survey was carried out using a Bartington Non-Magnetic Cart. The cart system utilises two/four/six Grad-01 fluxgate gradiometer sensors mounted upon a carbon fibre frame, along with data logging equipment and batteries (see Appendix 2). Before each session of use, the cart system was balanced around a single set up point within the Site specifically chosen for being magnetically quiet. Balancing the machine around this point produces a more uniform dataset throughout and allows all data to be plotted with ease on the same palette. Data was collected using zig-zag traverses alongside a constant stream of GPS data collected through a Trimble R10 GPS, enabling the collected data to be spatially georeferenced without the need for a pre-determined grid system. The data was logged on a laptop mounted to the cart using Geomar MLGrad601 software. A total of 81.15ha were surveyed using the Bartington cart. Care was also taken to attempt to avoid metal obstacles present within the survey area, such as metal objects within and adjacent to the survey area as gradiometer survey is affected by 'above-ground ferrous disturbance' and avoiding these improves the overall data quality and results obtained. The data was downloaded from MLGrad601 and converted into a .xyz file in Geomar MultiGrad601 before being processed along with the GPS data in TerraSurveyor v3.0.34.10. The details of these processes can be found in Appendices 2 and 3. Interpretations of the data were created in ArcGIS Pro and the technical terminology used to describe the identified features can be found in Appendix 4 The survey has succeeded in locating, recording and characterising surviving sub-surface remains within the Site, though more remains may be present that are not suitable for detection using magnetometry; The survey will help in determining the next stage of works as it has provided evidence that remains of an uncertain origin are most likely present on site, and has provided a number of targets for further investigation; The survey has resulted in a comprehensive report and archive