SDO14298 - Woolcombe Farm, Toller Porcorum, Dorset. An Archaeological Assessment and Evaluation (part two: Evaluation)

Bournemouth University was commissioned to carry out a desk-based assessment at Woolcombe Farm, Toller Porcorum in relation to a proposal to creat a new lake. The assessment raised a number of questions about the potential archaeological resource both within, and immediately adjacent to, the lake site. In order to resolve these issues ahead of planning application, John Mosley, Architects, on behalf of the owner, commissioned Bournemouth University to undertake an archaeological evaluation of the site. A two percent sample was excavated which revealed no conclusive evidence of medieval or earlier occupation. However, construction of the lake bed would disrupt a substantial layer of organic material which might contain preserved archaeological remains. Woolcombe farmhouse is apparently perched on a platform of medieval date. The platform feature may be vulnerable to damage from the movement of construction plant.