SDO14578 - Archaeological Evaluation Report: Canada Farm, Winterborne Stickland, Dorset

‘In December 2013 and January 2014, in accordance with NPPF, a programme of archaeological evaluation (trial-trenching) took place on c.15 hectares of farmland at Canada Farm, Winterborne Stickland, Dorset (centred on NGR: ST 851 049). The evaluation was commissioned by British Solar Renewables and Alder King, and was conducted in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation approved by the Planning Archaeologist for Dorset County Council, acting as advisor to North Dorset District Council. The results will be used to inform a planning application for the construction of a solar array. A previous assessment of the site based on evidence held in the Dorset Historic Environment Record, and a geophysical survey of the proposed development zone had revealed that there was a significant archaeological potential for prehistoric and/or Roman remains. 17 trial trenches (30m x 2m) were excavated across the proposed development site, with the geophysical survey being used to target possible archaeological features; which included a potentially large enclosure (and related features; pits, etc.) on the SE side of the site. Once excavated the archaeological evidence did not entirely mirror the geophysical survey results. Eight of the trenches (2, 7,9,10,11,14,15 and 16) proved negative, whilst seven (1, 4A, 4B, 8, 12, 13 and 17) contained no more than two features. Three trenches (3, 5 and 6) exposed several archaeological features, with Trenches 5 and 6 containing the most convincing evidence of occupation. These two trenches were located in South-East corner of the site. Unfortunately no dating evidence was recovered. Many of the features found on site did not fit in with the notion of a large settlement enclosure (tentatively identified by geophysical survey); rather, they presented probably several phases of agricultural activity. This included field boundaries and evidence of lyncheting: a technique used to create a series of flat steps or cultivation terraces up the side of a hill.’