South Marston Solar Farm, Swindon, Wiltshire

In September and October 2011, Oxford Archaeology (OA) carried out an
archaeological watching brief monitoring the excavation of electrical cable trenches
during the installation of a solar farm in South Marston, Wiltshire. A previous
geophysical survey of the site showed distinct concentrations of anomalies
interpreted as potential archaeological features between areas apparently devoid of
archaeological remains. The route of the cable trench traversed one of the
concentrations of anomalies, interpreted as potential prehistoric or early Roman
settlement. The trench, situated in Area 2, revealed six features which were
interpreted as ditches and pits. Pottery recovered from two features dated to the mid
to late Iron Age. The trenches excavated outside the potential settlement, in Areas
1 and 3, were devoid of significant archaeological remains, confirming the interpretation of the geophysical results in these areas. The trench within Area 1 contained a single furrow and a modern disturbance, possibly a service trench was recorded in Area 3.