NHER 67883 (Monument record) - Undated palaeochannels and late post-medieval field boundaries

April 2021-January 2022. Geophysical Survey.
Magnetometer survey of proposed development site.
This survey identified little of definite archaeological significance.
Although a number of straight linear anomalies were recorded these all correspond with former field boundaries depicted on the Ordnance Survey First Edition map (S1). The small number of potentially archaeologically-significance responses include a pair of sinuous linear anomalies in the north-west corner of the larger field. Various other sinuous linear anomalies were almost certainly natural in origin – representing former water channels.
Responses of uncertain origin include a small circular cluster of anomalies in the south-east corner of the northern field. These may represent some form of small enclosure, although their anomorphous nature and proximity to a large area of magnetic disturbance means this suggestion is only tentative.
Numerous ferrous anomalies were probably caused by material on or near the ground surface – most likely modern debris. Larger areas of magnetic disturbance were caused by a number of electricity pylons.
See report (S2) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 31 December 2023.

December 2025. Trial Trenching.
Evaluation of proposed development site.
A total of 21 trenches were excavated, the majority of which were placed to target linear anomalies recorded by the preceding geophysical survey. The more sinuous responses were all shown to be associated with naturally-formed palaeochannels, which were filled with apparently sterile, laminated deposits. A number of ditches were also encountered. These produced no dating evidence but were all most likely post-medieval – either corresponding with, or being similar aligned to former field boundaries shown on the Ordnance Survey First Edition map (S1). The only other feature of note was a pit or ditch containing a modern sheep or goat burial.
Samples taken from several of the excavated features produced occasional charcoal flecks and charred seeds but the plant macrofossils present consisted largely of de-watered root/stem fragments.
See report (S3) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 27 July 2026.