PCA Winchester was commissioned  to undertake an archaeological strip, map and sample ahead of a new area for mineral extraction being opened. . The works were conducted as part of the planning process, and in accordance with national and local planning guidance.

Following a geophysical survey and trial trenching, the potential for early prehistoric activity was highlighted. The site is located close to other known areas with high levels of early prehistoric activity, such as Pendell Farm Quarry, where worked flints and pottery dating from the Mesolithic to early Neolithic were recovered in fieldwalking, and funerary activity from the Bronze Age through to the Roman period were observed during the investigations. To the east of the site in North Park Quarry many Mesolithic flints were revealed during the soil stripping, later prehistoric activity was also observed in the form of pits and cremation urns. Some medieval ditches were also recorded in the area.

PCA’s phase of archaeological work covered a total area of 0.77ha with further areas of work planned but not yet undertaken. The archaeological investigations so far have revealed features which were generally consistent with what was expected to be found in the area, and include several late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age features with 50 sherds of pottery recovered from the fills. Some of the struck flints are believed to date from the Palaeolithic. One pit contained a serrate/awl which has been dated to the Mesolithic. Several other flints that were recovered have been dated to the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age.

Due to poor weather conditions and the soft, sandy geology, the programme of works has had to be broken down into smaller phases to stop the ground conditions deteriorating and impacting the survival of the archaeological features underneath, as well as making sure it was safe for the machines to run.

The current phases of works at Brewer Street has been completed, a written report produced and the archive will be deposited in the appropriate museum in line with the planning requirements.