Geotechnical Survey at Work Package 04 Contract 3 Ground Investigation: (Stableford to Crewe)

Records from archaeological on-site monitoring and geotechnical logs were examined post-excavation. These were used to build a stratigraphic framework and predictive deposit models of subsurface strata. Six modelled transects across the four areas were produced. Deposit models reveal a sequence of sedimentary bedrock overlain predominantly by Glacial Tills. There is limited potential for in-situ Palaeolithic archaeology within these Glacial Tills. However, preserved coeval organic remains have been identified and offer potential for establishing the date of the maximum advance of the most recent (Devensian) ice sheet. River Terrace deposits sealed by head, present in the Meece Brook valley, have potential for Palaeolithic occupation or activity and should be explored further. Coversand and head deposits sealing the till across the scheme are also of limited to moderate potential. Late Pleistocene and Holocene fluvial deposits along the Phase 2a route have also been identified in the River Lea/Checkley Brook valley where fine grained alluvial deposits are present. Previously unmapped alluvial deposits have also been identified between Hough and Chorlton. Only 93 of the 441 of the ground investigation works were identified as requiring geoarchaeological review in the written scheme of investigation. However, it is apparent that many of the works not reviewed here are likely to preserve evidence of environmental change for the Late Upper Palaeolithic-Early Mesolithic transition specifically, the Madeley Palaeolake, but other locations along the route also have deposits which may be of significance. Recommendations are provided in regard to the targeted investigation of locations with known or suspected organic-rich sediments, including purposive geoarchaeological works across the Hough-Chorlton area River Lea/Checkley Brook and Meece Brook. Areas with head and coversand deposits are also identified, which may require archaeological monitoring during future ground works.