EDO5770 - Holmwood Park, Ferndown; geophysical survey 2014

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Goadsby Planning and Environment, on behalf of Libra Homes, to undertake a detailed gradiometer survey. The site comprised numerous small pasture fields used as horse paddocks and set-aside land totaling 8.2 hectares. The survey has demonstrated the presence of anomalies of possible archaeological interest within the survey area, along with regions of increased magnetic response, agricultural drainage, trends and several ferrous regions. Two bands of anomalies lie at the southernmost extent of the survey area, and are considered to be of of possible archaeological interest. They are consistent with the remnants of ditches or parts of enclosures, although it is difficult to determine their function or date. Clusters of pit-like anomalies have been identified throughout the survey area and an archaeological interpretation cannot be ruled out entirely; however, such responses may be consistent with natural or agricultural features. Several broad anomalies in the southern portion of the Site are typical of natural features, such as former channels. Extensive drainage is visible across the survey area, particularly towards the western and southwestern extents. An area of magnetic disturbance can be seen int he middle of the Site, which is likely to relate to modern or historic dumped deposits. Trends of uncertain origin are visible throughout the survey.