SDO21062 - Caswell, Dorset. Geophysical Survey Report

‘Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd was commissioned by Neo Environmental Limited (the Client) to undertake a geophysical (magnetometer) survey on four blocks of land at Caswell, Dorset, covering 60 hectares, where it is proposed to submit a planning application for a solar farm development. This geophysical survey report will be submitted as part of the planning application for the proposed development. The results may also inform future archaeological strategy, if required. Survey was completed across all of the site except for along the margins of two felds where wild bird cover prohibited survey. Only a single irregularly shaped enclosure, has been interpreted as of probable archaeological origin although several discrete anomalies adjacent to the enclosure are assessed as of possible archaeological origin. This enclosure borders the A37 Dorchester Road, which is presumed to follow the line of the Roman road between Ilchester and Dorchester. This appears to be an isolated area of archaeological interest as no other anomalies of obvious archaeological origin have been recorded in any other part of the site. The survey has recorded a number of weak linear and curvilinear anomalies as well as magnetically elevated clustered and isolated discrete anomalies throughout the site but the lack of any clear pattern or any evidence to support an archaeological interpretation has resulted in these anomalies being ascribed an uncertain origin. Numerous anomalies of agricultural origin, indicative of boundary removal, modern ploughing and land drainage, have been recorded. The location of two former ponds have also been confrmed by the survey and an area of possible mineral extraction has also been identifed. The suitability of the bedrock geology to magnetic prospection combined with the general absence of any overlying superfcial deposits (except the alluvial deposits bordering minor watercourses) suggests that the survey results likely provide a reliable indication of the archaeological potential of the site. Consequently, based solely on the survey data, the archaeological potential of the site is assessed as low except in the area in and around the enclosure that borders the likely Roman road where it is assessed as moderate to high.’