The evaluation fieldwork comprised the mechanical excavation of linear trenches, each 30m in length, generally located to provide a representative sample across each of the areas. The trenches were set out and the overburden was stripped from the trenches by a mechanical excavator to the top of a colluvium layer. This was then carefully removed down to the level of the natural substrate, the level at which archaeological features were generally identified, unless archaeological features or deposits were noted within the colluvium itself. All machining was conducted under archaeological supervision. Many of the evaluation areas were within arable fields where it was necessary to avoid disturbing the established soil tracks (tramlines) that were present. This was achieved by either a slight adjustment of the trench location or by leaving a gap in the trench where it crossed a tramline. In the latter case, where possible, the trench was extended in one or both directions so to achieve the desired length. Trenches were to be opened and backfilled in a single day, leaving no excavations open overnight. The AA was provided with the opportunity to monitor and sign-off trenches prior to backfill. Interim report on the Stage 3 and 4 trenched evaluations undertaken for the National Grid during the Summer of 2022. A total of one-hundred and fifteen trenches were excavated across eleven areas within four parishes in the county of Suffolk (Assington, Leavenheath, Polstead and Stoke by Nayland). One trench within the parish of Assington (HER ref. ASN 061) contained a cremation burial that has been dated to the Roman period. Other than occasional ditches, mostly post-medieval field boundaries, no further significant sites were identified.
Sommers et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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