EDO8150 - Highmoor Farm, Poole; geophysical survey 2023

OASIS: Detailed magnetic survey (magnetometry) was chosen as the most efficient and effective method of locating the type of archaeological anomalies which might be expected at this site. All survey techniques followed the guidance set out by CIFA (2014, updated 2020), Historic England (2008), and the European Archaeology Council (EAC) (2016). Project Results: A detailed magnetometer survey was conducted over approximately 12 hectares of land at Highmoor Farm, Poole. The survey has identified a sub-rectangular enclosure, along with a possible ring ditch. Given the proximity of Bronze Age activity to the south and west, it is feasible that the features also have later prehistoric origins. Further linear and curvilinear trends could be indicative of additional ditches, though they could also have natural or modern agricultural explanations. Former field boundaries plus evidence for ridge and furrow indicate that the site has been used for agricultural purposes in recent times, while areas of strong magnetic disturbance in the northwest are associated with a road and previous development.