The CIR comprised two areas (C31073 and C31081) of c. 0.06ha and 0.05ha respectively, laid out using reconnaissance information gathered during ES, remote sensing and geophysical surveys and the subsequent phases of evaluation and investigation. Specific construction impacts (e.g. the temporary and permanent works required in the area) were taken into account. The extent of the area for CIR was determined based on designs for the placement of a haul road, temporary stream diversion, and permanent works. Headland Archaeology ensured that the archaeological investigations were undertaken in an organised, efficient, and professional manner and had full regard for the safety of all personnel and visitors on site. The on-site archaeological recording and recovery techniques were in line with the methods set out in the Project Plan, the LSWSI and current industry best practices and were fully understood by all. All paper and digital records created during the course of the archaeological works and the treatment of artefacts and environmental remains thereafter were reviewed continuously. Record checking and collation were completed at regular intervals, as appropriate, and before the area was considered complete, abandoned, backfilled or the site closed. Area C31073 held the majority of the archaeology discovered. The oldest remains could be dated to the transition period between the late Iron Age and the Roman period on the basis of pottery. Evidence from this phase was subsequently covered by a levelling deposit. This deposit was present in the eastern part of the site but was absent in the west. The absence is likely caused by disturbance due to modern agricultural work and the construction of the modern farm and farmyard. The levelling deposit acted as a seal for the earliest remains and was itself truncated by structural remains from the period up to approximately AD 330/350. Like the levelling deposit, the presence of these remains was restricted to the eastern part of the site. The most prominent features in the C31073 area comprised a series of ditches, many of which represented the continuation of features seen in the neighbouring excavation, and a stone-lined well. A deposit of dark earth, partially sealing these features was, in turn, truncated by the remains of stone structures, at least two of which were parts of Roman buildings seen in previous phases of work. All the structures, surfaces and features represented activity toward the northern periphery of the Blackgrounds Roman settlement. Area C31081 revealed the remains of a small number of pits, along with the partial continuation of a ditch, observed in an earlier phase of excavation. None of the other features with the potential to continue into the area had survived, due to disturbance caused by the root network of a large tree and its subsequent removal. When viewing the wider excavation plan, it becomes clear that C31081 represented the periphery of the archaeological landscape. Main boundary ditches were present towards the north-east and south-east and a small south-westwards running secondary ditch reached the north-east of the current excavation area. The pottery assemblage from the four excavated pits was dominated by pink-grog tempered wares, providing a mid-2nd century date to these features.
Eleonora Massacci (Sun,) studied this question.