PCA Cambridge conducted an archaeological evaluation to assist in informing on planning proposals for the construction of a 49.99MW solar photovoltaic array. The works assessed the impacts of service trenches, access tracks and footings for the proposed photovoltaic array within the site.

Located 1km to the northwest of Belchamp St. Paul, 30 trenches were excavated, both across five areas identified during the geophysical survey as having high archaeological potential and as part of a controlled sample across proposed areas for service trenches where the geophysical survey did not identify a high possibility for archaeological activity. Within these areas, eight of the trenches were placed over suspected field systems at the south and west of the site whilst a further three were placed to target suspected ring ditches at the north of the site. The ring ditches were dated to the Early Iron Age period, excavated at a very prominent position near the crest of a hill, overlooking the upper Stour Valley. Medieval agricultural activity comprising a small road-side settlement was identified at the south of the site, whilst at the west of the site adjacent to Long Lane (a route that linked Clare Castle to Castle Hedingham) remnants of a post-medieval enclosure was excavated, yielding ceramics and glassware dated between the late 17th to early 19th century.

Results from this stage of the works reflect that at the peripheries of the site, archaeological activity was varied and observed, whilst the central and the proposed access to the site was devoid of archaeological activity. As such, this information will assist the client in finalising the plan for the solar photovoltaic array across the site, helping to reduce overall costs and any potential damage to archaeological deposits across the site.