Thorpe Marsh Solar Farm

Summary of Work:

Initial research confirmed that the site was situated within an ancient palaeolithic lake, which had filled in. The ancient lake can still be appreciated through the local topography as can be seen in the control model shown on the right. The geology of the site was also found to include areas of peat deposits.

The presence of this feature and geology meant that standard geophysical survey would not be effective in informing archaeological potential on its own. Landgage Heritage therefore recommended that a combined survey was undertaken, comprising both electromagnetic and gradiometer surveys. This allowed both the underlying palaeo-topography and any surface archaeology to be detected.

Landgage Heritage instructed contractors Magnitude Surveys to undertake this survey work, and incorporated the findings into our archaeological desk-based assessment, to be considered along other evidence.

Thanks to this approach, it was found that extensive trial trenching would not be effective or necessary across the site, and a more targeted approach was agreed with the local authority archaeologist. It was also agreed that any trial trenching and related intrusive fieldwork could be secured via a suitably worded planning condition.