Land west of Malton Road, Pickering, North Yorkshire. Archaeological Evaluation by Trial Trenching

Nine trenches were located and levelled using a Trimble GPS Rover. Four trenches measured 50m in length and five measured 30m in length. The trenches were positioned in order to assess anomalies highlighted in the results of the Geophysical Survey and areas thought to be devoid of archaeological activity were also examined. Once positioned the trenches were excavated using a wheeled mechanical excavator, fitted with a wide toothless bucket operating under close archaeological supervision. In each trench, soils were removed down to perceived archaeological horizon. The exposed surfaces were cleaned appropriately, and any subsequent excavation was carried out by hand. The Trial Trenching, which followed a Desk Based Assessment and Geophysical Survey, identified features highlighted in the results of the survey, which likely represent late prehistoric or Romano-British activity, consisting at least one enclosure and an east to west orientated trackway. Features identified within the site boundary are consistent with those previously identified to the east of Malton Road, at Mickle Hill. Full excavation to be undertaken prior to development