SDO21210 - Land North of Blandford Hill Road, Milborne St Andrew: Detailed gradiometer survey

‘A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over land at Land North of Blandford Hill Road, Milborne St Andrew, Dorset (centred on NGR 380441 097729). The project was commissioned by Wyatt Homes Ltd (Poole) 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 residential and local amenities (including a pre-school, surgery and green village spaces) within the site. The site comprises a singular arable field currently covered with self-seeded rape, measuring a total area of approximately 2.7 ha. The geophysical survey was undertaken on the 18th January 2018. The detailed gradiometer survey has demonstrated the presence of a number of anomalies of potential archaeological interest throughout the field. The anomalies identified as being of archaeological interest are primarily ditch-like features of an unknown date. These are predominantly associated with ditch and pit-like anomalies of an uncertain origin. The clearest of these is probable ditch located in the north of the area. Given the level of prehistoric and Romano-British activity recorded 150 m to the east of the site, it is plausible that this may be associated with such activity. Furthermore, several pit-like anomalies were also identified within the northern part of the site and three other ditch-like features have also been identified, though these are more irregular and fragmentary. Additionally, there are two linear anomalies that correspond with features visible on historic mapping of the area. Within the southern and central area of the site a broad amorphous linear anomaly and an area of increased magnetic response have been identified which are thought to relate to superficial geological deposits. The remaining anomalies relate to modern features such as utility services identified in the east of the Site.’