SDO20816 - Land at North Farm, Mannington, Dorset. Detailed gradiometer survey report

A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over land at North Farm, Mannington, Dorset (centred on NGR 403300 108350). The project was commissioned by BayWa r.e. UK Limited with the aim of establishing the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features in support of a planning application for the development of the site as a solar farm. The Survey comprises arable fields and pastures at North Farm, Mannington, Dorset, covering an area of 29.5 ha. The geophysical survey was undertaken between 13 to 17 February 2023. The detailed gradiometer survey has identified several anomalies that indicate historic field divisions within the site. Considering the nature of these anomalies, they could as well be a consequence of natural undulations in the subsurface geology. Numerous features identified across the site are likely post-medieval chalk extraction pits. They were likely supplying the lime kiln located just to the west of the survey area. The remaining anomalies pertain to weak trends of unknown origin, agricultural features, and modern services.