SDO14570 - Binnegar Quarry, Dorset. Results of an archaeological trial trench evaluation.

‘An archaeological trench evaluation was carried out by AC archaeology on 14th July 2011 on land at Binnegar Quarry, Nr Wareham, Dorset (SY8907887895), prior to the extension of the existing gravel quarry. The site lies close to a known barrow group on Farm Heath. The evaluation comprised the machine-excavation of three trenches; one 50m long and two 5m long, across large mounds that will be removed by quarrying in due course. The mounds were thought to be possible round barrows. All trenches contained sterile, podsolised soil horizons typical of local Eocene lithology. There was no evidence of turf stacks, buried soils nor dumped deposits that might typically be expected in heathland barrows. There was no evidence for perimeter quarry ditches or scoops for mound construction, nor artefacts recovered. The mounds are considered to be wholly natural formations.’