2019 Geophysics

In 2019, the Society shifted attention to a sub-circular, segmented and double-ditched cropmark in a field to the north of the first one investigated. SLA provided assistance once again.

Mike Haken of the RRRA was also kind enough to bring over their state-of-the-art, wheeled magnetometer array, equipped with satellite positioning and recording, to carry out the first geophysical survey. Although the recently ploughed ground proved challenging for the cart, it was possible to survey most of the northern part of the field (about twice the area of the cropmark) in one afternoon, with four people taking turns. The magnetometry equipment survived a thorough shaking over a great distance - member KW's shoes were less fortunate!

An earth resistance survey was carried out over the main part of the cropmark itself in subsequent days. A mix-up in communications with the farm meant that ploughing of the area resumed early and disturbed some of the 20m grids intended for surveying. Nevertheless, 12 out of 16 grids were completed with good results.

Carrying out geophysics means quite a lot of time is spent walking up and down looking at the ground. Although it was not systematic field walking, a couple of significant finds were made during our surveys and their locations noted.

The images below show the geophysics results and the finds.