SDO17005 - 33kV Pole Replacement, Bryanston, Dorset within Scheduled Monument NHLD 1002427 Field System in Old Park

‘Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks to undertake an archaeological watching brief during the removal and replacement of a single existing 33KV electricity “H” pole structure. Due to the site’s location within an enclosed prehistoric field system listed as Scheduled Monument NHLE 1002427 - Field system in Old Park, Scheduled Monument Consent was required in order for work to take place. Consent was granted by Historic England on 31st July 2020. The monitored works were centred on NGR 386644 106738, immediately east of the village of Bryanston, Dorset, DT11 0PT. To facilitate the replacement of the pole structure the watching brief monitored the excavation of a single trench measuring 4.20 m long x 1.10 m wide immediately to the south of the pole structure. The trench revealed a 0.40 m thick layer of topsoil directly overlying bedrock chalk. No archaeological finds or deposits were observed or seen to be present within the exposed natural chalk and no artefactual evidence was identified or recovered. Following confirmation that the trench was archeologically sterile excavation through the bedrock chalk continued to a depth of 2.50 m below ground level to facilitate the removal and replacement of the pole structure. Once the new pole structure had been installed the trench was backfilled with arisings and compacted down.’