SNN114832 - Crick Solar Farm, Crick, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey

Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd was commissioned by Voltalia (the Client), to undertake a geophysical (magnetometer) survey, covering approximately 55 hectares, south-west of Crick, Northamptonshire, where a solar farm is being proposed. This geophysical survey report will accompany an Archaeological Desk-based Assessment (Headland Archaeology 2022), with both documents being submitted as part of a planning application for the proposed Crick Solar Farm Photovoltaic (PV) array and associated infrastructure development. The results will also inform future archaeological strategy, if required. The survey has identified anomalies consistent with modern activity and agricultural usage of the proposed development area (PDA) over the past 140 years as indicated on historic mapping. The most numerous anomalies recorded by the survey are due to agricultural activity, predominantly ridge and furrow cultivation and land drainage. Eight former ponds have also been identified in the data. A few anomalies of archaeological potential have also been recorded most notably three enclosures of varying shape and size. A ring ditch indicative of a possible roundhouse is also recorded in the largest of the enclosures. Several possible ditchtype features have also been recorded, but these anomalies are fragmentary and do not seem to form part of any wider pattern of archaeological activity and hence have been interpreted as of possible archaeological potential. Based on the geophysical survey results the archaeological potential of the PDA is assessed as low except for in and around the enclosures where the potential is assessed as moderate. This conclusion supports the findings of the Archaeological Desk Based Assessment.