Archaeological Evaluation at Land Off Leckhampstead Road, Akeley Mk18 5hf

A total of four evaluation trenches were excavated across the proposed site. Two of the trenches measured 30m by 1.60m, one trench measured 18m by 1.60m and one trench measured 7m by 1.60m. All trenches were excavated down to the natural geology using a 4-tonne excavator equipped with a toothless ditching bucket, and operated under direct archaeological supervision. In order to confirm the depth of the natural, further machine reduction of the ground was carried out within Trench 4, as requested by the county archaeologist. The additional 0.20m deep excavation confirmed the exposed deposit as the geological layer. The archaeological evaluation aimed to determine the presence or absence of archaeological remains, establish the depth of soil deposits, and specifically investigate for traces of a medieval settlement. None of the four excavated trenches revealed archaeological features or deposits; however, the presence of medieval and post-medieval artefacts in topsoil and subsoil deposits indicates activity dated to this period occurred in the wider area. This successfully fulfilled the requirements of the investigation by confirming the absence of remains within the development footprint.