The evaluation fieldwork was originally intended to comprise the excavation of 22 trenches comprising: " 10no. 30m x 1.8m trenches: " 7no. 25m x 1.8 trenches " 2no. 20m x 2.8m trenches and; " 3no. 10m x 1.8m trenches. However, Trench 1 was found to be too close to Tanum Farm, one of the bordering houses, and to the access point into the rest of the site to be safely excavated. Trench 5 was subsequently extended to the northeast and southwest to compensate for the loss, while Trench 7 was shortened by approximately 5 metres after a strong radio signal was detected by the CAT scanner coming from an abandoned shed to the eastern side of the trench. The fieldwork was monitored by the SHEA on behalf of Hertfordshire LEADS via email updates and photos provided on 19th and 20th June 2024. In June 2024, Cotswold Archaeology carried out an archaeological evaluation to the North of Hawkshead Road, at Little Heath, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. A total of 21 trenches were excavated measuring between 10m - 30m. The trenches were all devoid of archaeological remains with only modern levelling deposits present from the construction of the surrounding houses and associated gardens. The absence of any archaeological remains and artefactual material was recovered, including any features related to the previous cultivation of the site such as ridge and furrow, may suggest that the evaluated area was peripheral to any historic areas of settlement or has always remained as pasture/ rough grassland.
Alex Foley (Mon,) studied this question.