Scout Moor Wind Farm, Rochdale- Evaluation and Watching Brief

Oxford Archaeology North undertook a programme of evaluation and watching brief on Scout Moor (SD 8333 1797). The work was undertaken in conjunction with a programme of geotechnical testing in advance of a proposed wind farm development. The archaeological work entailed the excavation of 52 evaluation trenches and the observation of 30 geotechnical pits.
The work followed on from a programme of desk-based study and walkover survey that was undertaken and presented as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the development (Collcutt 2004). The evidence for prehistoric activity within the application site is very limited, and comprises mainly Mesolithic and Neolithic lithic scatters and individual find spots across the landscape concentrating around Knowl Hill (SD 8420 1680). Two burial cairns represented the Bronze Age and there was no evidence of Iron Age or Roman activity within the environs of the study area. There is very little evidence from the early medieval period although some settlement in the area may be inferred from place-names. Agricultural settlements comprising farmsteads and field systems, with their origins in the medieval period, have been identified. From the post-medieval period there is considerable evidence of remains relating to mineral extraction processes.