Throughout March and April, we have been undertaking on-site investigative work, comprising drone flights, geophysical surveys, building recording, and earthwork surveying. The purpose of this work is to provide a detailed record of archaeology, both above and below ground, to understand the history of the site, its evolution, and condition.
To explore below ground, without causing intrusive impact, our team deployed a magnetometer survey over 23ha in total.
Reclaim Heritage measured the variations in the Earth’s magnetic field, detecting features when there was a difference occurring naturally and by archaeology. We focused on three specific areas of the site, a potential area Roman occupation south of Lyscombe Farm/Cottage, a cross-dyke adjacent to Nettlecombe Tout Hillfort and Lyscombe Bottom itself. Our understanding of these areas is limited, and the survey will allow us to confirm whether archaeology is present and whether our current interpretation is accurate.
In comparison, the drone flight covered the whole site to provide a bird’s eye perspective of the landscape and record the current condition. The material gathered will be used to inform understanding about the known archaeology in the area, whilst identifying the presence of any sub-surface features through detailed analysis and 3D modelling. The work specialists Adam Stanford and Dr Scott Williams are undertaking will also be used in evaluating the long-term management of the site.
Complementing the above, a detailed programme of walkovers was undertaken to compile a photographic and earthwork record of the site. By combining this with the survey methods, this allowed us to capture data efficiently and accurately, ensuring any archaeology that might be difficult to spot from the ground is accounted for. All this information will be collated and reviewed alongside aerial images, documentary references and mapping detail, uncovered at archives in both Dorset and Wiltshire.
Our built heritage specialists and structural engineers also joined forces to survey-built fabric on-site, including both upstanding walls and the Grade II Listed fishpond north of Lyscombe Farm and Cottage. On-site work included producing a drawn, photographic and written record which will be combined with archival research to inform the repair and reinstatement of lost material.
Whilst we are now in the initial stages of data analysis, the initial results from the survey work are challenging our understanding of the site. We look forward to sharing our results with you soon.
