ENN109723 - Sparrow Lodge Farm, 2019 (Geophysical survey)

Magnitude Surveys was commissioned to assess the subsurface archaeological potential of a c. 41.3ha area of land at Sparrow Lodge Farm, Wicken. A fluxgate gradiometer survey was successfully completed across the survey area. The geophysical survey has primarily detected archaeological and agricultural activity, offering a significant contrast to the quiet background. Multi-phase archaeological activity has been recorded in the form of a series of rectangular and circular enclosures of varying sizes. Additional linear anomalies within the survey area likely represent historic land management. Anomalies close to the projected route of a Roman Road crossing the site have also been identified, however a clear relationship could not be definitely established. Anomalies associated with historic agricultural use including ploughing trends, former field boundaries and drainage systems have been recorded. Natural variations in the superficial deposits have also been identified. The impact of modern activity on the results is limited to the edges of the survey areas, emanating from metallic features such as fencing and service lines.