Geophysical survey - The survey comprises an area of approximately 2.3ha. The site was divided into 30x30m grids and tied in to known Ordnance Survey points using a Leica GPS900. The GPS900 is a real time kinemeatic GPS unit providing survey quality location information accurate to around 10mm. Data collection was carried out using two Bartington Grad 601-2 fluxgate gradiometers with automatic data logging facilities. Samples were recorded on an interval of 0.25 x 1 m in accordance with current archaeological guidelines (English Heritage, 2008), yielding 3600 measurements per 30m square. The instrument sensitivity was set to 0.03nT within a +/- 100nT range ensuring the accurate recording of small variation in the local magnetic gradient. Evaluation- The evaluation comprised the excavation of 8 trenches under direct archaeology supervision. All trenches measured c.2m by 30m and were placed to evaluate anomalies identified through a geophysics survey. Trench 1 had to be slightly moved due to the proximity of overhead wires. A further three trenches measuring c.2m by 25m and were placed to further investigate the series of linear features forming the trackway initially recorded in Trench 5, to determine if any other associated features were present alongside this trackway, and to determine the nature, date, depth, quality of survival and importance of these features. T Excavation was undertaken in accordance with stratigraphic principles. Standard On-Site Archaeology techniques were followed throughout the excavation. These involved the completion of trench record and context sheets along with plans and/or sections drawn to scale. Heights above Ordnance Datum (AOD) were calculated by taking levels from a Temporary Benchmark (TBM), which was then tied in with an existing Ordnance Survey benchmark. A photographic record of the deposits and features was also maintained. Excavation - archaeological mitigation was recommended to further investigate the archaeological features recorded during the evaluation within Trench 2. The excavation would also reveal the presence of any other or associated features located within this area of the development site. This would be achieved through machine strip and record, followed by sample archaeological excavation within a single area, Area A, located towards the southwest part of the proposed development site. The excavation area was slightly smaller than initially proposed due to the presence of existing overhead cables in the central area of the western paddock. The excavation Area A measured approximately 54m by 33m. The archaeological mitigation area is shown outlined in green in Figure 3. The aim of the archaeological excavation was to preserve by record the potential archaeological remains likely to be disturbed by the development of the site. This would be achieved through a monitored machine topsoil strip and record, followed by sample archaeological excavation of the features exposed. Archaeological remains within the excavation area were excavated by hand in an archaeologically controlled manner and in accordance with stratigraphic principles. Standard On-Site Archaeology techniques were followed throughout the investigation. These involved the completion of a context sheet for each deposit, structure or cut encountered, along with plans and/or sections drawn to scale. Heights above Ordnance Datum (AOD) were calculated by taking levels from a Temporary Benchmark (TBM). A soil sampling programme was undertaken for the identification and recovery of environmental evidence, and a photographic record of the deposits and features was also maintained (Appendix 2). All deposits, cuts and other archaeological features were issued with unique context numbers for ease of reference.
James Stanley (Wed,) studied this question.