SDO21803 - Magnetometry Survey at Povington Ball Clay Works, Wareham, Dorset

Description

OASIS: Project Methodology: A magnetic survey was undertaken using an array of Sensys FGM650-3 fluxgate sensors mounted on a GNSS-tracked non-magnetic platform and controlled by Mercury 6508 digitiser. All available areas were surveyed and the data was processed using proprietary software. The interpretation is informed by the best available information at the time of writing (the report). Project Results: A number of enclosure ditch fills were mapped, some definite while others are more tentative, and there are also areas of anomalous magnetic texture that may be proxies for concentrations of past activity that have not left distinct anomalies from individual features or structures. However, the magnetic character of the site is not quite what would be expected from the geology and hence it remains possible that some of these anomalies are due to natural processes. Overall, the survey seems to confirm the prior suggestion that there is prehistoric settlement activity across the top of the ridge and down the more sheltered eastern side, but this may be more extensive and less well defined than supposed. It is possible that it includes industrial or funerary activity along the crest of the ridge.

Location