White Hill Woods, Easington Lane, Tyne & Wear and County ...

White Hill Woods, Easington Lane, 

Tyne & Wear and County Durham 

geophysical surveys phase 2 

on behalf of 

The Woodland Trust 

Report 2151 

March 2009 

Archaeological Services 

Durham University 

South Road 

Durham DH1 3LE 

Tel: 0191 334 1121 

Fax: 0191 334 1126 

archaeological.services@durham.ac.uk 

www.durham.ac.uk/archaeological.services



geophysical surveys phase 2 

Report 2151 

March 2009 

Archaeological Services Durham University 

on behalf of 


Autumn Park, Dysart Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LL 

Contents 

1. Summary . . . . 1 

2. Project background . . . 2 

3. Archaeological and historical background 3 

4. Landuse, topography and geology . 3 

5. Geophysical survey . . . 3 

6. Discussion and conclusions . . 6 

7. Sources . . . . . 6 

Figures (inside back cover) 

Figure 1: Site location 

Figure 2: Overview of results 

Figure 3: Area 3 magnetic survey results and archaeological 

interpretation 

Figure 4: Area 4 magnetic survey results and archaeological 

interpretation 

Figure 5: Trace plots of geomagnetic data 

© Archaeological Services 2009

White Hill Woods, Easington Lane: geophysical surveys phase 2; Report 2151, March 2009 

1. Summary 

The project 

1.1 This report presents the results of a second phase of geophysical survey 

conducted in advance of a tree planting scheme at White Hill Woods, Easington 

Lane. The study area spans the border between Tyne & Wear and County 

Durham. This phase of work comprised detailed geomagnetic survey of two 

areas in order to confirm the reliability of the earlier magnetic susceptibility 

survey. 

1.2 The works were commissioned by The Woodland Trust and conducted by 

Archaeological Services Durham University. 

Results 

1.3 Area 4 was within the zone of anomalously high magnetic susceptibility (MS) 

values recorded in the earlier MS survey, and just south of at least one 

enclosure and other features of probable archaeological significance detected in 

the earlier detailed gradiometer survey. Detailed gradiometry of Area 4 has 

now recorded a large number of probable pits, similar to those detected just to 

the north in the earlier detailed survey. 

1.4 Probable traces of former ridge and furrow cultivation have also been detected 

across Area 4. 

1.5 In contrast, only two potential pit features were detected in Area 3, where 

consistently low magnetic susceptibility values had previously been recorded. 

1.6 This phase of detailed geomagnetic survey has confirmed the reliability and 

interpretation of the earlier magnetic susceptibility survey. 

1.7 Based on geophysical evidence, the potential for the presence of archaeological 

features is highest in the north, north-west and north-east of the development 

area, where detailed survey has already identified probable enclosures and other 

features. The archaeological potential of areas in the eastern and southern parts 

of the site could be considered to be medium, whilst the triangular area in the 

west-central part of the site can be considered as having low archaeological 

potential. 

Archaeological Services Durham University 1


2. Project background 

Location (Figures 1 & 2) 

2.1 The site comprises land at White Hill, to the south of Easington Lane and north 

of Pig Hill, spanning the border between Tyne & Wear and County Durham 

(NGR centre: NZ 3677 4511). It is bounded by Salter’s Lane (B1280) to the 

east and by a track and Coldwell Burn to the south, with areas of woodland to 

the west. The northern boundary is the rear of properties on South View, 

Easington Lane. The total area of the site is 82ha, of which 9.5ha consists of 

existing woodland. An earlier phase of survey using magnetic susceptibility 

(MS) and detailed gradiometry covered approximately 73ha (Archaeological 

Services 2008b). This second phase comprised the detailed survey of two areas 

measuring one hectare each, in order to test the results of the earlier MS 

survey. 

Development proposal 

2.2 The Woodland Trust are proposing to create native woodland. The scheme will 

involve some deep ploughing (five and three hectares in the northern and 

southern parts of the area respectively) and both grassland seeding and tree 

planting. 

Objective 

2.3 The principal aim of the surveys was to assess the nature and extent of any subsurface 

features of potential archaeological significance within the proposed 

development area, so that an informed decision may be made regarding the 

nature and scope of any further scheme of archaeological works that may be 

requested in advance of development. 

Methods statement 

2.4 The surveys have been undertaken in accordance with instructions from The 

Woodland Trust, following a specification previously supplied by Durham 

County Council Archaeology Section. 

Dates 

2.5 Fieldwork was undertaken on 27 th October 2008. This report was prepared 

between then and 4 th March 2009. 

Personnel 

2.6 Fieldwork was conducted by David Graham and Andy Platell. This report was 

prepared by Duncan Hale, the Project Manager, with illustrations by Edward 

Davies. 

Archive/OASIS 

2.7 The site code is WHW08-2, for White Hill Woods 2008 phase 2. The survey 

archive will be supplied on CD to the Bowes Museum on completion of the 

project. Archaeological Services is registered with the Online AccesS to the 

Index of archaeological investigationS project (OASIS). The OASIS ID 



numbers for this project are archaeol3-56355 (Co Durham) and 56352 (Tyne 

& Wear). 

3. Archaeological and historical background 

3.1 An archaeological desk-based assessment for the proposed woodland scheme 

was conducted by Archaeological Services Durham University on behalf of The 

Woodland Trust (Archaeological Services 2008a). 

3.2 In summary, the assessment indicated that the proposed development might 

impact upon unknown archaeological resources most likely dating to the 

prehistoric/Romano British periods in terms of agricultural remains and 

settlement. Analysis of sites in the vicinity has indicated a high potential for 

potential prehistoric features. 

3.3 Geophysical investigations comprising 65ha of topsoil MS survey and 8ha of 

detailed fluxgate gradiometer survey were undertaken in September-October 

2008 (Archaeological Services 2008a). These surveys detected the probable 

presence of archaeological features across Area 1 in the north, including at least 

one enclosure, and the likelihood for further archaeological features in Area 2 

in the south. The MS survey of the area in between indicated a higher potential 

for further archaeological features to survive in the northern and north-western 

parts of the area, with slightly raised values in the eastern and east-central parts. 

A roughly triangular area of particularly low MS values, and hence low 

archaeological potential, was identified in the west-central part of the site. 

4. Landuse, topography and geology 

4.1 At the time of survey, the bulk of the site (73ha) was in use as arable land with 

9.5ha of mature woodland in the west. 

4.2 The land slopes gradually down to Coldwell Burn in the south. To the north is 

the village of Easington Lane. The mean elevation on the northern-eastern part 

of the site is 133m OD, and at Coldwell Burn 115m OD. 

4.3 The underlying solid geology of the area is Magnesian Limestone which is 

overlain by boulder clay and morainic drift (glacial till). 

5. Geophysical survey 

Standards 

5.1 The surveys and reporting were conducted in accordance with English Heritage 

guidelines Geophysical survey in archaeological field evaluation, 2 nd edition 

(David, Linford & Linford 2008); the Institute of Field Archaeologists 

Technical Paper No.6, The use of geophysical techniques in archaeological 

evaluations (Gaffney, Gater & Ovenden 2002); and the Archaeology Data 



Service Geophysical Data in Archaeology: A Guide to Good Practice 

(Schmidt 2002). 

Technique selection 

5.2 Geophysical survey enables the relatively rapid and non-invasive identification 

of sub-surface features of potential archaeological significance and can involve 

a variety of complementary techniques such as magnetometry, earth electrical 

resistance, ground-penetrating radar and electromagnetic survey. Some 

techniques are more suitable than others in particular situations, depending on a 

variety of site-specific factors including the nature of likely targets; depth of 

likely targets; ground conditions; proximity of buildings, fences or services and 

the local geology and drift. 

5.3 In this instance, the efficacy of detailed fluxgate gradiometer survey had already 

been demonstrated, and the technique was now required to test the results of 

the MS survey. 

5.4 Fluxgate gradiometry involves the use of hand-held magnetometers to detect 

and record anomalies in the vertical component of the Earth’s magnetic field 

caused by variations in soil magnetic susceptibility or permanent magnetisation; 

such anomalies can reflect archaeological features. 

Field methods 

5.5 A 30m grid was established over each of the two areas and tied-in to known, 

mapped Ordnance Survey points. 

5.6 Measurements of vertical geomagnetic field gradient were determined using 

Geoscan Research FM256 fluxgate gradiometers. A zig-zag traverse scheme 

was employed and data were logged in 20m grid units. The instrument 

sensitivity was set to 0.1nT, the sample interval to 0.25m and the traverse 

interval to 1.0m, thus providing 1600 sample measurements per 20m grid unit. 

5.7 Data were downloaded on site into a laptop computer for initial processing and 

storage and subsequently transferred to a desktop computer for processing, 

interpretation and archiving. 

Data processing 

5.8 Geoplot v.3 software was used to process the geophysical data and to produce 

both continuous tone greyscale images and trace plots of the raw (unfiltered) 

data. The greyscale images and interpretations are presented in Figures 3 & 4; 

the trace plots are provided in Figure 5. In the greyscale images, positive 

magnetic anomalies are displayed as dark grey and negative magnetic anomalies 

as light grey. A palette bar relates the greyscale intensities to anomaly values in 

nanoTesla. 

5.9 The following basic processing functions have been applied to the data: 



zero mean traverse sets the background mean of each traverse within a grid 

to zero; for removing striping effects in the traverse 

direction and removing grid edge discontinuities. 

despike locates and suppresses iron spikes in gradiometer data. 

destagger corrects for displacement of anomalies caused by 

alternate zig-zag traverses. 

interpolate increases the number of data points in a survey to match 

sample and traverse intervals. In this instance the data 

have been interpolated to 0.25m x 0.25m intervals. 

Interpretation: anomaly types 

5.10 Two types of geomagnetic anomaly have been identified in the data: 

positive magnetic regions of anomalously high or positive magnetic field 

gradient, which may be associated with high magnetic 

susceptibility soil-filled structures such as pits and 

ditches. 

dipolar magnetic paired positive-negative magnetic anomalies, which 

typically reflect ferrous or fired debris and/or fired 

structures such as kilns or hearths. 

Interpretation: features 

5.11 A scatter of small, discrete dipolar magnetic anomalies has been detected across 

each survey area. These anomalies almost certainly reflect items of near-surface 

ferrous and/or fired debris, such as horseshoes and brick fragments, and in most 

cases have little or no archaeological significance. They have been omitted from 

the archaeological interpretation plans and the following discussion. 

5.12 Except where stated otherwise in the text below, positive magnetic anomalies 

are taken to reflect relatively high magnetic susceptibility materials, typically 

sediments in cut archaeological features (such as furrows, ditches or pits) 

whose magnetic susceptibility has been enhanced, as above, by decomposed 

organic matter or by burning. 

Area 3 

5.13 Two discrete positive magnetic anomalies were detected here. These anomalies 

could reflect soil-filled features such as pits. 

Area 4 

5.14 A relatively high concentration of positive magnetic anomalies was detected 

across this area. These could similarly reflect features such as pits and 

occasional possible remains of ditches. The date and function of these features 

is not known. 

5.15 A number of weak, parallel, positive magnetic anomalies were also detected 

across this area. The anomalies are slightly arcuate and fairly evenly spaced at 



6-7m intervals. These anomalies almost certainly reflect former ridge and 

furrow cultivation. 

6. Discussion and conclusions 

6.1 Detailed geomagnetic surveys were undertaken over two sample areas at White 

Hill, Easington Lane, in order to test the efficacy of the earlier magnetic 

susceptibility survey prior to proposed deep-ploughing and tree-planting. The 

65ha MS survey identified broad areas of anomalously high and low MS values, 

which could reflect higher and lower levels of past human activity respectively. 

6.2 The survey within the area of anomalously low MS values detected only two 

anomalies reflecting features of possible archaeological origin and confirmed 

the low potential for survival of archaeological remains in that area, as 

indicated by the MS survey. 

6.3 The survey within the area of anomalously high MS values on the other hand 

detected many probable soil-filled features of possible archaeological origin, as 

well as probable traces of former ridge and furrow cultivation. This also 

confirms the reliability and interpretation of the MS survey. 

6.4 In conclusion, based on geophysical evidence, the potential for the presence of 

archaeological features is highest in the north, north-west and north-east of the 

development area, where detailed survey has already identified probable 

enclosures and other features. The archaeological potential of areas in the 

eastern and southern parts of the site could be considered to be medium, whilst 

the triangular area in the west-central part of the site can be considered as 

having low archaeological potential. 

6.5 A programme of archaeological trial trenching could be used to try to establish 

the functions, dates, depths and preservation states of sub-surface features. It 

may then be possible and appropriate to re-define the areas proposed for deep 

ploughing and tree or grassland planting schemes based on the depths to 

archaeological features, where present, in different parts of the site. 

7. Sources 

Archaeological Services 2008a White Hill Woods, Easington Lane, Tyne & 

Wear and County Durham: archaeological desk-based assessment. 

Unpublished report 2024 for The Woodland Trust, Archaeological 

Services Durham University 

Archaeological Services 2008b White Hill Woods, Easington Lane, Tyne & 

Wear and County Durham: geophysical surveys. Unpublished report 

2100 for The Woodland Trust, Archaeological Services Durham 

University 



David, A, Linford, N, & Linford, P, 2008 Geophysical survey in 

archaeological field evaluation, 2 nd edition, English Heritage 

Gaffney, C, Gater, J, & Ovenden, S, 2002 The use of geophysical techniques in 

archaeological evaluations, Technical Paper 6, Institute of Field 

Archaeologists 

Schmidt, A, 2002 Geophysical Data in Archaeology: A Guide to Good 

Practice, Archaeology Data Service, Arts and Humanities Data Service 


47 

46 

45 

44 

43 

White Hill Woods, Easington Lane, Tyne & Wear and 

County Durham 

geophysical surveys - phase 2 

Report 2151 

Figure 1 

Site location 

proposed development area 

on behalf of 


Reproduced from Explorer 308 1:25 000 by 

permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of 

The Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery 

Office. c Crown copyright 1995. All rights 

reserved. Licence number AL100002176 

35 36 37 38 

0 1km 

scale 1:25 000 - for A4 plot

Path 

Path 

FB 

llotment Gardens 

Track 

45 

Def 

Def 

Path 

Pond 

10 

Track 

S Tk 

LOWESWATER AVEN 

RH 

Drain 

Elmore Wood 

1 

Path (um) 

RMERE AVENUE 

Boro Const an d Met Dist Bdy 

Co Const Bdy 

Elemore 

13 

Reproduction in whole or in part is 

prohibited without the prior permission 

of The Woodland Trust 

9 

6 

Path 

20 

Path 

19 

35 

Path (um) 

28 

Path 

FB 

BS 

Def 

Boundary Stone 

Def 

FF 

25 

BUTTERMERE AVENUE 

1 

14 

FF 

Path (um) 

Area 1 

Path 

Co Con st, CP and ED Bdy 

Path (um) 

Co Const, CP and ED Bdy 

Track 

Path (um) 

13 

FF 

Def 

7 

Path 

13 

Post 

Issues 

Path (um) 

WHITE HILLROAD 

East Wood 

27 

21 

Path (um) 

20 

34 

32 

33 

2 

1 

3 

1 

Def 

T 

SHERIFF'S MOOR AVENUE 

T AY STREET 

TEVIOT STREET 

RUSKIN AVENUE 

1438 

2 

8 

10 

4 

Coldwell Burn 

5 

14 

9 

2 

3 

20 

10 

13 

11 

1 

19 

24 

13 

TAY STREET 

16 

SHERIFF'S 

15 

RUS 

SCHOOL 

MOOR 

28 

13 

KIN 

VIEW 

AVENUE 

AVE 

NUE 

Ward Bdy 

8 

22 

27 

32 

40 

LB 

47 

El 

Sub Sta 

Area 4 

2 

1 

TCB 

Area 3 

28 

33 

6 

2 

16 

1 

14 

31 

SHELLEY AVENUE 

12 

QUEEN ELIZABETH D RIVE 

Def 

Cherry Garth 

13 

CS 

2 

15 

13 

C ORONATI 

19 

6 

13 

14 

SOUTH CLOSE 

1 

13 

7 

16 

5 

2 

1 

14 

SOUTH VIEW 

Boro Co nst and Met Dist Bdy 

Co Const Bdy 

1 

5 

15 

51 

46 

WOR DSWOR TH AVENUE 

44 

22 

45 

N ROAD 

RH 

BM 135.65m 

28 7 

31 

35 

135.0m 

Sheriff's Moor 

34 

Track 

35 

33 

Tudor Rose 

Area 2 

27 

28 

134.1m 

Snippersgate Cottage 

Garage 

Pig Hill 

FF 

Bamburgh 

132.3m 

Bamburgh 

A 182 

37 

Lindisfarne 

SOUTH HETTON 

130.5m 

FF 

ROAD 

Track 

128.3m 

Boro Const & Met Dist Bdy 

Co Const Bdy 

Def 

Track 

B 1280 

RH 

124.1m 

ETL 

FW 

Shelter 

Ullswater Terrace 

Shelter 

Snipper's Gate 

Farm Cottage 

9 

DEF 

127.1m 

13 

SALTER'S LANE 

1 

Aspley House 

Snipper's Gate 

House 

16 

5 

Kennels 

113.2m 

121.6m 

BM 119.93m 

1 

119.2m 

127.1m 

B 1280 

1 

B 1280 

BM 

111.79m 

1 

117.7m 

121.0m 

Whitegates 

Equestrian Centre 

7 

7 

7 

116.2m 

Logan Terrace 

CS 

BUTTERMERE CRESCENT 

13 

Keswick Terrace 

Derwent Terrace 

13 

13 

21 

5 

1 

119.8m 

Scout Hut 

18 

17 

118.9m 

Lodge 

8 

22 

Derwent 

20 

29 

SALTER'S LANE 

39 

1 

38 

BM 117.61m 

1 

Track 

BM 112.33m 

114.5m 

7 

30 

Coldw 

PA 

11 

LB TCB 

Issues 

44 

7 

2 

6 

Po 

W 




Report 2151 

Figure 2 

Overview of results 

on behalf of 


0 250m 

scale 1:5000 - for A3 plot 

proposed development area 

survey area 

proposed deep ploughing area

452 

451 




Area 3 Area 3 

367 

452 

451 

367 




Report 2151 

Figure 3 

Area 3 magnetic survey results and 

archaeological interpretation 

on behalf of 


0 50m 


survey area 

soil-filled features 

5.00 

4.17 

3.33 

2.50 

1.67 

0.83 

0.00 

-0.83 

-1.67 

-2.50 

-3.33 

-4.17 

-5.00 nT

1 

454 

45 

453 




366 

Def 

1 

454 

453 

Area 4 Area 4 

367 

366 

37 

Def 

367 




Report 2151 

Figure 4 

Area 4 magnetic survey results and 

archaeological interpretation 

on behalf of 


0 50m 


survey area 

area of deep ploughing 

soil-filled features 

service pipes 

orientation of 

ridge and furrow 

5.00 

4.17 

3.33 

2.50 

1.67 

0.83 

0.00 

-0.83 

-1.67 

-2.50 

-3.33 

-4.17 

-5.00 nT

Figure 5: Trace plots of geomagnetic data 

41.40nT/cm 

0 50m 

scale 1:1000 

66.90nT/cm 

0 50m 

scale 1:1000

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