SNN115963 - Proposed Solar Farm North East of Preston Deanery: MSSP1489 - Geophysical Survey Report

Magnitude Surveys was commissioned to assess the subsurface potential of a c. 31.4ha area of land northeast of Preston Deanery, Northamptonshire. A fluxgate gradiometer survey was successfully undertaken across the survey area. The survey has detected anomalies of probable and possible archaeological origin, which have been interpreted as multiple enclosures and a possible former land division. One enclosure system may include associated pits, as well as internal and external features, and is potentially of later prehistoric origin. Historical agricultural activity is evident across the survey area in the form of ridge and furrow regimes and a historical field boundary. Anomalies associated with natural processes have been identified and are likely the result of changes in superficial deposits and topographic variation. Magnetic interference from modern sources was significant and related to services and overhead cables, which could have potentially obscured any further anomalies in close proximity if they were present.