Botany Farm, Farnham, Suffolk

In August 2010 Oxford Archaeology South (OAS) were commissioned by Environment Agency and Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to undertake a geoarchaeological field survey at a proposed 48h wetland habitat site at Botany Farm, Farnham, Suffolk. The purpose of the survey was to provide baseline data on the underlying sedimentary sequence at the site, which lies partly on the floodplain
just to the west of Snape. This work forms part of an initial phase of archaeological investigation aimed at assessing the archaeological potential of the site prior to a proposed planning application.
The survey utilised an electromagnetic survey combined with an auger survey that has helped to define a model of geomorphological development, which can be used
to predictively model archaeological potential. Five different geomorphic zones were identified within the site and these provide an indication of the palaeotopography
and localised sedimentary sequences present. No significant archaeological deposits were encountered during the survey, but limited traces of burnt flint and charcoal were recorded.
The model suggests that in prehistory the site would have been located at the interface of an important ecotonal zone, between the confluence of the Rivers Alde
and Fromus. Topographically these areas are known to have been a focus of activity in the past due to the abundance of wetland resources available for exploitation, as
well as the close proximity of dry ground suitable for more permanent settlement. The site therefore has high potential to contain archaeological features and deposits
associated with buried landsurfaces, along with evidence for the exploitation of the wetland resources. The waterlogged condition of the sediments also have excellent
potential to preserve organic remains suitable for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and dating.
The impact of the proposed scheme is still not currently fully defined, as archaeological features could potentially be located within the site. The proposed scheme therefore could potentially impact archaeological deposits. This impact may be a greater in areas of former higher ground within the site, where the archaeology
is likely to be located closer to the surface.
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