Dorset Visual Impact Provision Archaeological Evaluation Report phase 1 Dorset Visual Impact Provision Surface Artefact Collection Survey Interim Report – Fields 51, 126, 127 Dorset Visual Impact Provision,Phase 2 Archaeological Evaluation Report

Evaluation phase 1
Between the 2nd and 12th of October 2017 Oxford Archaeology undertook an
archaeological evaluation comprising 10 trenches in the parishes of
Winterbourne Abbas, Winterbourne Steepleton, Winterbourne St. Martin and
Portesham (NGR SY605913) along the Proposed Project of the Dorset Visual
Impact Provision.
A geophysical survey had previously identified several linear anomalies and
other possible archaeological features. Some of these were targeted by this
phase of work and were proven to be the remains of two round barrows in
Trenches 20 and 29 in the northern part of the Proposed Project along with a
demolished structure in Trench 26. In the central part of the Proposed Project,
features in Trenches 42 and 150 could not be excavated due to depth. In
Trench 47 a rectilinear enclosure was revealed and produced a worked flint
assemblage of early prehistoric date. In the southern part of the site several
large features were not excavated but may have been sink holes or chalk
extraction pits. A lynchet in Trench 133 attests to the later prehistoric
agricultural presence in the landscape in the southern part of the Proposed Project.

Surface Artefact Collection Survey / Fieldwalking
In mid May 2018 Oxford Archaeology undertook a Surface Artefact Collection
Survey of two fields within the route of the proposed Dorset Visual Impact
Provision. A third field identified for survey was excluded due to ground
conditions. These works form the first of a multistage survey programme.
An assemblage of worked flint is indicative of prehistoric activity and suggests
the presence of further remains of this period with the route of the Proposed
Project. In addition, CBM, coal and iron objects were recovered but are
considered of little to no significance.

Evaluation phase 2
Between August and October 2018 Oxford Archaeology undertook an
archaeological evaluation comprising 147 trenches in the parishes of
Winterbourne Abbas, Winterbourne Steepleton, Winterbourne St. Martin
and Portesham along the route of the Dorset Visual Impact Provision.
A geophysical survey had previously identified linear anomalies and several
discrete features along the route. Trenches were positioned to investigate
these anomalies and previously known heritage assets recorded on the
Dorset Historic Environment Record. These works formed the second, and
most substantial, of three phases of archaeological trial trenching. The
evaluation identified remains dating from the early Neolithic through to the
post-medieval period.
A ditch of unknown function contained two sherds of Neolithic pottery and is
the only feature securely dated to this period. Worked flint of Neolithic date
was recovered as residual finds. Flakes indicative of axe production or
maintenance were recovered from topsoil in several trenches. Utilisation of
Portland Chert was noted in a small assemblage of later Neolithic worked
flints.
Two early Bronze age barrows, mapped by geophysical survey, were
investigated in the vicinity of Rew Hill, an area known for barrow
monuments. A single urned cremation and a rectilinear enclosure, both of
early Bronze Age date, were also present.
Evidence of Roman agricultural processing was recorded in the centre of the
scheme. Related features include a corndryer, enclosure ditches and a
possible trackway, all dated to the late Roman period. There is some
evidence to suggest the presence of earlier 2nd century activity. Further
enclosure ditches, also of late Roman date, were recorded away from this
area and provide additional evidence of the wider agricultural landscape.
A cluster of inhumations was recorded atop Friar Waddon Hill towards the
southern limit of the scheme. Six graves were identified within a single
trench and were found to cut into an earthen bank or dyke of unknown date.
The excavated remains comprise one adult and three children. The children
were all buried in limestone cists and a radiocarbon date from one provided
an early medieval date.
Few features dated to the later medieval and post-medieval periods.
Undated features along the route are likely to be associated with land
management, such as field boundaries of medieval or post-medieval date.
However, an earlier Iron Age or Roman date cannot be ruled out.