Evaluation, Trial Trench at Land west of Sandy Drove

Two trenches were located in accordance with the directions laid out in the Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) and approved by the curatorial archaeologist. The most recent deposits were removed mechanically, using a tracked excavator fitted with a toothless ditching bucket. All mechanical excavation was undertaken under archaeological supervision. Mechanical excavation was discontinued when archaeological deposits were exposed, or when undisturbed natural deposits were revealed. Exposed surfaces, both vertical and horizontal, were then cleaned by hand to define the archaeological remains. Potential archaeological features were further investigated by manual excavation in line with the sampling guidelines outlined in the WSI. A record of the investigations was compiled through: " Notes detailing the progress of archaeological fieldwork. " Individual written descriptions of archaeological contexts made on pro-forma recording sheets and indexed appropriately. " Measured section drawings showing specific archaeological contexts as well as general stratigraphic sequences, produced at scales 1:10 or 1:20 as appropriate. " Measured plans of archaeological contexts (individual and/or multiple) at scale 1:20 " A Sequence of colour digital photographs showing individual archaeological features and overall site circumstances. The trenches, the features and the sample hand-excavated slots were located using survey grade GPS equipment, referenced to the Ordnance Survey National Grid. Despite the high potential of the site, the investigation did not reveal significant archaeological remains. Naturally formed anomalies in the natural chalk were noted, and a single archaeological feature within Trench 1 was probably a cultivation mark of late Post-Medieval or Modern date.