Ahead of the submission of a planning application comprising a solar farm development PCA Winchester undertook two phases of archaeological evaluation or ‘trial trenching’. Initially forty-nine 30m trenches, and one 50m trench, were excavated and identified archaeological remains relating to Bronze Age and Iron Age. Phase 2 of these evaluation comprised seventeen 30m trenches and was designed to investigate certain areas more extensively from the original investigation.  Geophysical anomalies from an early survey were also targeted.

The works were situated in the environs of a predominantly agricultural landscape with possible geophysical evidence of industrial elements. Former field boundaries were also pronounced on the geophysical survey. Historical mapping indicated the presence of a single mine shaft in the area. The archaeological potential for settlement activity was therefore low, however the boundaries remained undated and so were of archaeological interest. The validity of the geophysical results would also be tested through these more extensive archaeological investigations.

The archaeological potential of the site was overall deemed low; some features were dated to the Bronze Age, Iron Age, medieval or post-medieval periods, although other remained undated. These were characterized into six groups for future archaeological use in the general area.

The programme of works was concluded, and the results were reported on in line with planning regulations and the outcome of these works met the needs of the client.

As a result of PCA’s work, the solar project commenced efficiently, and planning permission was able to be obtained. We are proud to be involved in eco-friendly projects such as this.