Magnetometry Survey at Land South of Callington, Cornwall Interim 1

This geophysical survey was completed using a Sensys FMG650/3 system. Readings were recorded at a resolution of 0.01 nT and data collected with a traverse interval of 1 m and a sample interval of between 0.16 - 0.25 m. Cura Terrae were instructed by SLR Consulting to undertake an archaeological geophysical survey at land south of Callington, Cornwall. The survey produced good results throughout and has identified anomalies that have been interpreted as being of archaeological origin. These are predominantly associated with former boundary features, and smaller enclosures and likely indicate an earlier agricultural landscape. Furthermore, it is probable that these anomalies infer multiphase occupation and land use. Weaker anomalies identified as possible archaeology across the Site are also noted and harder to ascribe an origin to. These anomalies broadly correspond to the historical pattern of land division but could predate this period of more recent agricultural land use. There is also evidence of prehistoric activity in the landscape surrounding the Site. In the western survey land parcels, several areas of probable burning have been identified, which could be archaeological but are equally likely to be modern in origin. In addition, a possible former building is noted adjacent to several former boundary features, which are not recorded on recorded on historic maps. Historical and modern cultivation is also prevalent in the landscape with evidence of probable ridge and furrow across much of the survey area as well as closer spaced linear trends indicative of modern ploughing. This presents as quite magnetically enhanced due to the variable responses detected from the underlying geological changes. Former boundary features corresponding to areas of land division illustrated in historic Ordnance Survey (OS) maps (1830's - 1880's) and (1888 - 1915) are also noted in both the eastern and western survey areas. Several, possible extraction pits are noted in the western survey areas, as is a possible prehistoric pit alignment. Though localised geological variations cannot be entirely ruled out.