Post-Excavation Report for Archaeological Monitoring at the A47 - Wansford Compound

The archaeological watching brief is intended to monitor all other intrusive works to allow for any potential archaeological features or deposits present to be highlighted, investigated and recorded. If this is unable to be completed within the remit of the above works, then this will be flagged to the Client and key stakeholders, including Rebecca Casa-Hatton, so that an appropriate programme of archaeological mitigation can be discussed and agreed. All intrusive works will be monitored by a suitably experienced archaeologist who will highlight any potential archaeological features revealed to the groundworkers. Should this occur then the Client will provide the archaeologist with sufficient time to allow suitable investigation by hand. All surfaces will be cleaned, inspected and potential features/deposits excavated to retrieve artefactual and ecofactual material, as well as determine their character, significance and date. The archaeological monitoring was originally designed to monitor, investigate and record three slip trenches (excavated in June 2023) and was then to monitor the topsoil stripping required for the compound. Based on the results of the archaeological monitoring during the excavation of the slip trenches, and review of the later borehole logs, which recorded made-ground up to 6.1m below ground level, it was agreed with PCCAS that monitoring during the topsoil strip of the compound would not be required due to the lack of archaeological potential. The monitoring was maintained during excavation of the slip trenches in order to identify and characterise any archaeological resource which may have been present. Regarding the scope of works undertaken, the archaeological monitoring was fit for purpose and has recorded the minimum extent of truncation. Up to 6.1m of made-ground was recorded across the Site, with the levels of made-ground being variable. No archaeological features, deposits or material was recorded. Dalcour Maclaren does not make recommendations for further analysis or reporting.