Twelve trenches measuring 40m x 2m were located and levelled using a Trimble GPS Rover. The trenches were positioned to assess anomalies highlighted in the results of the Geophysical and also areas thought to be devoid of archaeological activity. The Written Scheme of Investigation also outlines a programme of proposed fieldwalking although owing to ground conditions, and in consultation with the Historic Environment Officer at North Lincolnshire Council, this element of work was not carried out. Once positioned the trenches were excavated using a mechanical excavator, fitted with a wide toothless bucket operating under close archaeological supervision. In each trench, soils were removed down to perceived archaeological horizon. The exposed surfaces were cleaned appropriately, and any subsequent excavation was carried out by hand. A sufficient sample of archaeological features and deposits were hand excavated, to address the aims of the Archaeological Evaluation by Trial Trenching. All excavation and recording were carried out in line with the approved Written Scheme of Investigation Excavation of the archaeological features has indicated that the features contained naturally weathered fills, with very little indication of intentional backfill, again suggesting low-level rural activity taking place on the site. Further archaeological work should focus on the western half of the site
Foster et al. (Wed,) studied this question.