Report for Archaeological Monitoring and Recording at River Tiffey, Deopham

A scheme of archaeological monitoring was designed in order to satisfy the stated objectives of the project as set out under Section 3 above. The archaeological monitoring and recording monitored all areas of below-ground disturbance including excavations, foundation trenches, service trenches, drains and soakaways within the two identified areas of archaeological potential. Where mechanical excavation was required, the intrusive works were completed using a mechanical excavator fitted with a smooth-bladed ditching bucket, as to maximise the chance for identification of any archaeological remains should they have been present. All intrusive works were monitored by a suitably experienced archaeologist, of Dalcour Maclaren grade Senior or above. Stratigraphic and archaeological deposits were recorded according to accepted professional standards. Sufficient data was recorded to allow for a full characterisation of the context and its relationships to be made and allow for future studies to query and compare the dataset with confidence. Archaeological contexts were recorded and numbered individually on pro-forma context sheets with all relevant data such as drawings, photographic images, finds, environmental samples, height values and any other information cross-referenced. In addition, a further, more general record of the work comprising descriptions and discussions of the archaeology was maintained on daily progress recording sheets. All limits of excavation and potential features were recorded in plan using a GPS unit with sub-centimetre accuracy with each point recorded in relation to the OSGB36 geod model, this plan will also provide a three-dimensional geo-referenced visual representation of the works completed. A complete digital photographic record of the work was kept. All images were to be taken using a digital SLR camera with a suitable megapixel resolution (15MP or greater). The photographic record is regarded as part of the Site archive and digital files will be appropriately filed, saved, labelled and cross-referenced in relation to a site-specific photography register. Two areas of archaeological interest were identified along the new pipeline route, as such archaeological monitoring and recording was maintained in these areas during excavation works. No archaeological feature or deposits were recorded and no archaeological material was recovered. Dalcour Maclaren do not make recommendations for further mitigation or reporting.