SDO14990 - Report on Archaeological Investigations at Longham Lakes, Dorset, Summer 2001

‘RMC Aggregates (Southern) Limited commissioned Southern Archaeological Services Ltd (SAS) via Oxford Archaeological Associates to continue the archaeological investigations within the area of gravel extraction at NGR SZ 061 075 (centred). A period of observation of soil stripping was subsequently augmented by archaeological excavation. Following work by Oxford Archaeological associates in producing an Environmental Statement, a geophysical field evaluation by Oxford Archaeotechnics and previous archaeological investigations by Poole Museum Archaeological Unit (Poole Museums code PM58/DR6) and SAS (SAS site codes 42, 50, 67, 121, 174 and 186), further observations were conducted within the period 28 June – 2 November 2001. The watching brief observations identified archaeological features based around two centres, which were subsequently excavated. The excavation, conducted during 9 July – 2 November 2001, recovered Bronze Age pottery and worked flint potentially of early date. Though large numbers of features were identified, very few contained artefacts or other dating evidence. The final site survey showed a number of linear features which may form part of a Bronze Age field system. The site geology is Pleistocene sands and gravels. The original ground surface sloped from 15-10.3m aOD .’ NRHE: Series of watching briefs carried out at gravel quarry. Two clusters of features were identified and subsequently excavated. Bronze Age flint and pottery were recovered.