Wessex Archaeology was commissioned by National Highways to undertake a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording (AMR) during the excavation of post holes to facilitate the construction of fencing. Cropmark evidence from aerial photographs suggested the remains of a Bronze Age ring ditch (WSHER MWI76633) may exist within the site bounds. Postholes within the bounds of this ring ditch and those within its immediate vicinity were archaeologically excavated by hand, the remainder were either excavated by hand or by auger dependent on any time constraints associated with the works. It is noted that two postholes within the vicinity of the given location of the possible monument were dug by hand but abandoned and later completed by auger due to the presence of significant tree roots. The attending archaeologist(s) monitored all excavations within the specified area. No archaeological features or deposits were identified during the works. Spoil from each posthole (both hand-dug and augured) was visually scanned for the purposes of finds retrieval. No archaeological finds were observed during the AMR. All exposed deposits were recorded using Wessex Archaeology's pro forma recording system. A complete record of the excavated postholes was made, including plans and sections drawn to appropriate scales and tied to the Ordnance Survey National Grid. A combination of survey methods were used to record the locations of the postholes. Where possible a Leica GNSS connected to Leica's SmartNet service was used. All survey data is recorded in OS National Grid coordinates and heights above OD (Newlyn), as defined by OSTN15and OSGM15, with a three-dimensional accuracy of at least 50 mm. Where is was not possible to use the GNSS due to tree cover, a Leica Total Station Theodolite (TST) was used within a site grid tied in to the OS National Grid and heights above OD (Newlyn). The grid was established, with a three-dimensional accuracy of at least 50 mm, using a Leica Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) connected to Leica's SmartNet service to receive real time kinematic (RTK) corrections.A series of postholes were unable to be surveyed successfully using these means due to the density of the tree cover. These were, instead, located to either client plans that are related to OS mapping or structures/features that appear on OS mapping. This will be achieved using hand-held measuring tapes and the basic principles of triangulation. A full photographic record was made using digital cameras equipped with an image sensor of not less than 10 megapixels. Digital images have been subject to managed quality control and curation processes, which has embedded appropriate metadata within the image and will ensure long term accessibility of the image set. Although the AMR was undertaken in an area of high archaeological potential, located within a complex prehistoric landscape and within the bounds and immediate vicinity of a possible barrow monument, no archaeological features or deposits were identified during the investigation. The soil sequence observed typically comprised a chalky silt loam topsoil with varying levels of bioturbation, rooting and leaf debris recorded overlying the natural chalk which appeared blocky and fragmented. It is noted that the archaeologically excavated postholes located in the given location of the possible barrow ditch, and those within its vicinity, were archaeologically sterile. A number of postholes to the south of the A303 Amesbury Bypass, and positioned within the existing carriageway of Stonehenge Road, were excavated through made ground associated with the roadways.
E. Legg (Sun,) studied this question.