Potash Minehead, Doves Nest Farm, North York Moors Heritage ...

© Cotswold Archaeology
Potash Minehead, Doves Nest Farm, North York Moors: Heritage Desk-Based Assessment
4 BASELINE SURVEY
Introduction
4.1 This section provides:
an overview of the local geological, pedological, topographical and
hydrological conditions;
an overview of the historical and archaeological background of the Study
Area;
an assessment of the significance of any affected cultural heritage assets;
and
the results of the field survey.
Solid geology
4.2 The Study Area is underlain by Sandstone of the Moor Grit Member (BGS Viewer,
consulted November 2012). No drift deposits are recorded within the site, though
deposits of Diamicton till have been located immediately west.
Soils
4.3 The Study Area is predominantly underlain by Stagnogley soils, comprising brown
earths, argillic brown earths, brown podzols and stagnohumic gleys. These soils are
typically loamy or loamy over clayey, stoney, with impeded drainage and
occassionally also peaty (SSEW 1983).
Topography
4.4 Local topography comprises undulating farmland and plantation woodland
interspersed with open moor. Height above sea level drops gradually across the
majority of Study Area, from c.220m AOD in the south to c.200m AOD in the north.
The exception to this is within the woodland to the north-east of the site, where the
land slopes north-eastwards towards Sneatonthorpe to a height of c.160m AOD.
Hydrology
4.5 Three local watercourses find their origin either within, or within proximity to, the
Study Area. Sneaton Thorpe Beck, a minor tributary of Long Rigg Beck, passes
through the north-eastern corner of the proposed minehead, while Little Beck and
Soulsgrave Slack run to the south-west and south-east respectively.
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