The scheme of works comprised topographical (earthworks) survey, photographic survey, landscape survey, trial trenching and strip, map and record. It was designed in response to an EIA. The earthworks survey recorded ridge and furrow identified as Assets 8 and 9 in the Environmental Statement and situated within a parcel of Post-medieval Enclosure (HLT 2). The landscape survey made a record of the Historic Landscape Types (HLT) prior to the truncation of landscape elements during the construction of the Scheme. Both surveys were undertaken by drone on 15 June 2023 using a Matrice 300 RTK UAV equipped with a 61MP Sony A7R IV payload for optimum data clarity. The survey was carried out with an active Real-Time Kinematic connection to ensure accurate data geolocation logging. Photographic survey was required of the following assets: ��� Asset 22 ��� Quaker���s Bridge, (No.19), Darkinson Lane, Lea ��� Grade II Listed Building ��� Asset 39 ��� Lancaster Canal (Non-designated) ��� Asset 52 ��� Possible Railway Milestone ��� Asset 144 and 145 ��� Darkinson Lane, Lea. The survey was undertaken on the 19 June 2023. Two trenches were excavated, measuring 30m by 2m. which were targeted on the suggested line of a Roman road between Ribchester and Kirkham. Three fields were to be subject to SMR excavations. SMR Area 1 to the immediate south of the Lancaster Canal and to the west of Sidgreaves Lane. SMR 2 in the next field to the south. SMR areas 3a- 3c in a field between Sidgreaves Lane and Lea Road to the immediate north of the railway line. The results of the preliminary phases of works to the west of Sidgreaves Lane meant that this scheme was altered following consultation with the LCC Planning Archaeologist. No archaeological remains were identified which supported the presence of a Roman road or other Roman-period activity. The evaluation confirmed the long-term agricultural use of the site, with five furrows attesting to the historic ploughing regime. A further feature was interpreted as either a pond or marl pit. The excavation revealed one furrow, a suspected tree bowl and a potential marl pit or silted pond in SMR 1 and one modern pit, located in SMR 2. No finds or samples were retrieved from any of the features investigated on site. The assessment has shown that the land between Lea Road and Sidgreaves Lane were historically used for agricultural purposes. No evidence was recovered that supports any of the research questions from the North West Regional Research Framework, identified in the WSI. The remaining areas to the east of the lane and north of the railway line will be monitored under watching brief conditions during the construction phase of the scheme.
Barr et al. (Sun,) studied this question.