All trenches were set out using differential GPS, which was used to provide absolute heights above AOD. Service plans were consulted in advance of excavation and safe digging techniques were observed. All trenches were opened by a tracked excavator equipped with a toothless ditching bucket. All trenches were excavated by machine under direct archaeological supervision and excavated in controlled spits. Machine excavation terminated at the top of the natural geology or the first significant archaeological horizon, whichever was encountered first. Spoil was stored beside the trench with topsoil and subsoil being kept separated. Excavation of archaeological deposits and features required to satisfy the objectives of the evaluation continued by hand. On completion of machine excavation, the stratigraphic sequence for each trench was recorded in full, even where no archaeological deposits were identified. Features were investigated and recorded to adequately evaluate the site. This typically involved excavation of 50% of discrete features, and a 1m slot of linear features. Where features formed a definite arrangement a sample of features within the arrangement would have been sample excavated. No such defined arrangements were present. Features not suited to excavation in evaluation trenches were to be investigated in plan only. This would typically apply to areas of complex, intercutting features such as structures with in-situ floor surfaces, kilns and other 'special' features, all of which benefit from open area investigation and suffer when excavated during trial trench evaluations. No features were excavated; similarly, structures and features worthy of preservation were not found. Due to Health and Safety considerations, excavations were limited to a maximum depth of 1m below existing ground level. Trenches were backfilled by replacing excavated materials back in reverse order of excavation then compressed by the excavator as tidily as practicable. No backfilling of trenches took place without prior agreement by the archaeological advisor to the planning authority. Of the 84 trial trenches excavated only 6no had any archaeology within them. The archaeology that was found was not indicative of any ancient activity on the site.
D Brookes (Sun,) studied this question.