Evaluation at Keepers Farm, Winchester Road, Blaby

A total of 105no. 30m x 2m trenches were excavated across the site. The trenches were positioned to target anomalies identified by geophysical survey (Harris 2024). A tracked 360-degree mechanical excavator fitted with a wide toothless ditching bucket was used to remove topsoil and subsequent material in spits of no more than 0.2m. All machine excavation was directed by CFA's on-site supervisor and was carried out under constant archaeological supervision. Topsoil and subsoil were stockpiled adjacent to the trenches. Trenches were located and planned using a Trimble R580 GPS unit which allows for precise position capture and RTK level precision. The same equipment was used to establish levels above Ordnance Datum for the areas of archaeological investigation. All excavation and on-site recording was carried out according to CIfA standards (CIfA 2020b), standard CFA procedures and the WSI, principally by drawing, by photography and by completing standard CFA record forms. The stratigraphy of all excavated areas was recorded whether significant archaeological deposits were identified or not. Samples of all features of archaeological interest were hand excavated in an archaeologically controlled and stratigraphic manner in order to establish their likely date, nature, extent, and condition. The complete stratigraphic sequence, down to natural geological deposits, was excavated. Inter-relationships and intersections between features were investigated. Spoil heaps were scanned for ferrous and non-ferrous metal artefacts using a metal detector capable of making this discrimination and operated by a capable metal detectorist. Modern (c. 20th century onward) artefacts were noted but not retained. The archaeological trial trenching evaluation at Keepers Farm successfully identified several areas of Iron Age activity within the boundaries of the site, as well as features consistent with modern land use. The site has the potential to contribute to the East Midlands Research Framework (Research Frameworks 2025), specifically the objectives concerning the Iron Age period. The site adds to the archaeological resource of Iron Age settlements and has the potential to contribute to investigations surrounding intra-regional variability of settlements (Strategic Objective 4C), and intra-regional variations in the development of fields and linear boundary systems (Strategic Objective 4F).