Source/Archive record SEM8126 - Geophysical Survey Report G1456; Spooners, Exmoor: Gradiometer, Resistance and Electromagnetic Survey

Gradiometer and resistance surveys were undertaken on Spooners, Exmoor, located in an area which has recently been subject to peat restoration. The survey area was laid out in an L-shape around the find spot of a potential Mesolithic hammer stone (MEM22498). Survey revealed few anomalies that could be immediately classified as archaeological; the majority of responses recorded appear to be a combination of natural variation in the subsoils / geology and historic systems of drainage. The resistance survey did reveal some responses close to the potential Mesolithic hammer stone find spot (MEM22498) which, in that context, were interpreted as potentially archaeological. That said, the interpretation is tentative at best and could simply be a facet of variation within the top layer of peat. An electromagnetic methodology was also trialled on site using a CMD Mini-Explorer – this produced equally sparse datasets. The conductivity data showed clear potential for success, having recorded similar responses to the resistance survey and clearly defining the drainage channels. The magnetic susceptibility was less clear-cut and revealed very little. However, the lack of well-defined archaeological features within the accompanying gradiometer and resistance datasets mean that a robust conclusion upon the suitability of EM survey for prospection on Exmoor remains unresolved.