Dundry Pipeline, Bristol, North Somerset: Detailed Gradiometer Survey Report

Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Bristol Water Plc. to undertake a detailed gradiometer survey of land either side of Crabtree Lane and West Dundry Lane (centred on NGR ST 56050 66600). The aim of the work was to establish the presence, or otherwise, and nature of detectable archaeological features on the site as part of a programme of archaeological works ahead of the proposed installation of a water main. The proposed pipeline is located a short the south of Dundry, approximately 7.15km SSW of the centre of Bristol and 2.5km northeast of Winford. The site comprises arable fields, pasture land and recreational grounds across 10 separate fields. The survey was targeted over a 30m wide corridor over and adjacent to the projected line of the water main; this is an expansion on the expected 15m easement. This enlargement was undertaken to allow meaningful interpretation of the geophysical data. Due to site conditions it was not possible to survey the entire length of the proposed pipeline. Detailed gradiometer survey was undertaken over all accessible parts of the site, a total of 0.7ha, and has demonstrated the presence of a few anomalies of possible archaeological significance along with agricultural features. The most notable archaeological feature was located in fields 6 and 8 where a large, positive anomaly can be traced through both fields along with several linear trends; assessment of historic maps suggests this is the original line of West Dundry Lane before it was straightened in the early 19th century. There is the possibility for archaeological remains in the areas there were not surveyed given the findings in the current data. The geophysical survey was undertaken between 17th and 18th November 2014.