South MarstonSolar Farm,Swindon,Wiltshire

In September and October 2011, Oxford Archaeology (OA) carried out an archaeological watching brief monitoring the excavation of electrical cable trenches during the installation of a solar farm in South Marston, Wiltshire. A previous geophysical survey of the site showed distinct concentrations of anomalies interpreted as potential archaeological features between areas apparently devoid of archaeological remains. The route of the cable trench traversed one of the concentrations of anomalies, interpreted as potential prehistoric or early Roman settlement. The trench, situated in Area 2, revealed six features which were interpreted as ditches and pits. Pottery recovered from two features dated to the mid to late Iron Age. The trenches excavated outside the potential settlement, in Areas 1 and 3, were devoid of significant archaeological remains, confirming the interpretation of the geophysical results in these areas. The trench within Area 1 contained a single furrow and a modern disturbance, possibly a service trench was recorded in Area 3.