SDO15230 - B0587: Empool Water Treatment Works, West Knighton, Dorset. A programme of Archaeological Monitoring and Recording

‘Context One Archaeological Services Ltd (COAS) carried out a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording during groundworks relating to the construction of a new water pipeline and valve complex at Empool Water Treatment works, West Knighton, Dorset (the ‘Site’) over seven days between 14 March and 28 June 2016. The project was commissioned by Wessex Water plc under a Term Agreement with COAS. The monitoring programme was advised by Mr Steve Wallis (Senior Archaeologist, Dorset County Council) following a consultation request by Ms Victoria Plummer (Environmental Scientist, Wessex Water plc) on the potential archaeological impact of the scheme. Earthworks of medieval field boundaries and ridge and-furrow cultivation have been recorded in the fields through which the eastern part of the scheme runs, and although these had probably been levelled by ploughing, it was considered by Mr Wallis that remains were likely to survive below ground. Despite this, no visible archaeological features or deposits of archaeological interest were encountered during development excavations and no finds were observed or recovered.’