SDO17254 - Wytch Farm Proposed Pipelines and Cables. Results of Archaeological Evaluation by Trial Trenching Between Wellsites B and D

‘A total of thirteen trial trenches was excavated at various locations along the route of the proposed new pipeline and cables. All trench positions had been chosen to investigate magnetic anomalies identified by gradiometer (magnetometer) survey, although several trench locations were altered to avoid possible buried ordnance. At two locations, West of Wytch Moor and East of Wytch Moor trenches revealed deep soil build up and deposits of ash and/or burnt clay that suggested that significant burning had taken place in the immediate vicinity. Both locations area considered to have been used for saltworking in the middle ages; the latter having been identified and examined during the previous oilfield development in 1987. A small quantity of Medieval pottery was recovered at each location. No other archaeological activity was identified although a moderate quantity of post-Medieval pottery was recovered west of Wytch Moor.’