SNN100016 - Sywell Aerodrome, Sywell, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey

A geophysical survey, covering 32ha, was carried out over the area to be affected by the development of the aerodrome at Sywell. This involved a magnetic scan of the entire site followed by selected detailed gradiometer survey covering 4ha. The scanning did not identify any anomalies thought to be indicative of archaeological features although numerous drains and areas of disturbance were noted. The areas of detailed survey likewise did not identify any anomalies of likely archaeological origin, even on cropmarked parts of the site. It is thought that this reflects the lack of magnetic susceptibility of the soils covering the majority of the site, combined with a lack of contrast with the fills of any archaeological features. Anomalies indicative of ridge and furrow ploughing were identified at the southern end of the site.