SNN115675 - Wood Lodge Solar Farm, Northamptonshire: Geophysical Survey Report

Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd was commissioned by Lighthouse Development Consulting on behalf of Wood Lodge Solar Limited (the Client), to undertake a geophysical (magnetometer) survey, covering approximately 65 hectares, at Wood Lodge Farm, Northamptonshire, where a solar farm is being proposed. This geophysical survey report will be submitted in support of the planning application for the future development of the land and may also inform future archaeological strategy at the site, if required. The survey has recorded anomalies indicative of significant, dense, and extensive archaeological activity following and appending at least three trackways which cross the proposed development area (PDA), covering approximately 18ha. There are three main foci of archaeological activity: one close to the eastern edge of F1 and two in F3. At each location anomalies indicative of multiple, clustered enclosures of varying size and shape are recorded linked by trackways and with numerous discrete anomalies, likely to be caused by activity associated with settlement, also numerous. Archaeological activity (cropmarks interpreted as enclosures, trackways, and other features) is recorded on the Northamptonshire Historic Environment Record at these locations although the survey has provided significantly greater detail on the complexity and extent of the archaeological remains. Although it is not possible to provide an accurate date for the archaeological activity identified, the pattern and morphology of the anomalies suggest an Iron Age to Romano-British origin is likely. Anomalies due to both historical and recent agricultural activity (ridge and furrow and modern ploughing, drainage and boundary rationalisation), geological variation and modern activity are also identified. Several anomalies of uncertain origin have also been identified. These are likely modern or agricultural in origin, but due to the extensive archaeological activity within the PDA, an archaeological origin cannot be discounted. Overall, the extent of the three major areas of archaeological activity appears to be restricted to F3 and the eastern extent of F1. Where there are no superficial deposits, there are either no recorded anomalies or they are very low magnitude and difficult to discern. This raises the possibility that the archaeological resource may be more extensive than the survey has revealed in those areas where the prevailing pedological and geological conditions are not as favourable for detection.