SNN117128 - Geophysical survey report: Ditchford Lane, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Magnitude Surveys was commissioned to assess the subsurface potential of a c16.2ha area of land at Ditchford Lane, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. A magnetic gradiometer survey was successfully undertaken across the survey area. The survey has detected anomalies indicative of probable and possible archaeological activity. These include anomalies suggestive of possible enclosures with internal features, along with possible ring ditches, and associated linear features, in the north. Further anomalies suggest that fragmentary remains of archaeological features extend more widely across the survey area. Anomalies relating to the agricultural use of the landscape have also been identified across the survey area and indiate ridge and furrow regimes and modern ploughing, along with a track associated with the former railway. Geological variations were also detected throughout the data and appear to follow the contours of the survey area, The natural variations are very strong, and could have obscured any weaker archaeological anomalies, if any were present. Quarrying activity was also identified in the southwest of the survey area. Magnetic interference from modern sources such as pylons, a buried service and material surrounding field edges has potentially obscured any weaker anomalies, if they were present.