SDO20966 - Archaeological Trial Trenching Evaluation at Battery Energy Storage System, Chickerell, Dorset

‘An archaeological evaluation was carried out by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) at a site known as Battery Energy Storage System, Chickerell which is located north of the Chickerell Substation, Northwest of Weymouth, Dorset. This report has been prepared by MOLA on behalf of RPS Group. The objective of the evaluation was to identify the character, date, location, and preservation of potential archaeological remains which had been identified within the site via geophysical survey. Broadly speaking the geophysical results were verified by the archaeological trial trenching with a moderate correlation between possible archaeology and features in the ground. Of particular interest were two large boundary or drainage ditches identified by geophysical survey and interpreted as geological anomalies. Datable finds were recovered from one context and the results of the assessment confirmed a date of Early Bronze Age. Other features of note were a pair of dated Post-Medieval ditches, a Post-Medieval to Modern horse burial and a few pits, all which were not detected by the geophysical survey. Following consultation between RPS and Dorset County Council, it has been agreed that no further work is required.’