SDO21211 - Marnhull Residential Development Sites, Dorset: Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report

‘A detailed gradiometer survey was conducted over three sites within Marnhull, Dorset (centred on NGRs 377978 119290 (Site 1), 377935 118476 (Site 2), and 378779 119057 (Site 3)). The project was commissioned by Savills with the aim of establishing the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features in support of planning applications for the residential development of the sites. The sites comprise three arable fields, covering a combined area of 9.6 ha. The geophysical survey was undertaken between 2nd and 3rd November 2017, and has demonstrated the presence of anomalies relating to archaeological remains, primarily confined to Sites 2 and 3. A ring ditch likely relating to a Bronze Age barrow or Iron Age round house has been identified in Site 3. Two rectilinear enclosure ditches have also been identified in the area, as well as an area of possible pit features. Site 2 also contains anomalies that are considered possibly archaeological in origin, which correspond to features identified on historic mapping as a pond. It is possible that the pond was previously a material extraction pit with an associated access track. No anomalies that can be attributed to archaeological activity have been identified in Site 1. Areas of pitting can be seen, but these are likely natural features. Additionally, this archaeological investigation has detected numerous parallel trends consistent with modern ploughing activity. Areas of geological variation and numerous ferrous objects are also evident.’