Hircocks Farm, Rectory Lane, Bunwell, Norfolk: Monitoring of Works Under Archaeological Supervision and Control

A programme of works under archaeological supervision and control was undertaken by Pre-Construct Archaeology Ltd. at Hircocks Farm, Rectory Lane, Bunwell, Norfolk, in advance of development associated with the extension of a poultry production facility from the 18th of August to the 4th of September.2025. The monitoring, commissioned by GHC Archaeology and Heritage on behalf of A.D. Harvey, was conducted in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation prepared by GHC Archaeology and Heritage and approved by South Norfolk Council to satisfy planning condition 6 (ref. 2023/3107). The monitored area totalled approximately 8,200 square metres and involved the stripping of overburden to reveal the natural substratum. Groundworks revealed a single archaeological feature: a post-medieval field boundary ditch aligned on a north to south axis, which corresponded with historic mapping. Finds recovered from the ditch fills included small quantities of Roman and medieval pottery, and a fragment of post-medieval roof tile. No other archaeological features or deposits were identified. The results suggest limited archaeological activity within the development area, with the ditch representing a relatively recent phase of land division. The recovered artefacts are residual and do not indicate significant settlement or occupation.