ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION - Mike Griffiths and Associates

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both cases, the highest density was recovered in Zone C, with a rapid fall-off of lithic finds to the north in Zone
B, and a gradual reduction of lithics to the east. Interestingly, the density of lithic finds from the FAS survey
was found to increase in the southern part of Zone D, however, this may have been due to better ground
conditions, as well as the fact that this area had not been recently walked by another team prior to surface
collection.
5.0 AUGER AND TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY
An auger survey was carried out in order to map the subsurface ground deposits and identify areas of
palaeoenvironmental potential. The survey was carried out on lower ground near to existing watercourses, over
potential sink holes and adjacent to areas where peat had been found. The auger survey was undertaken during
October 2003 in and around a small field on the eastern side of the area of investigation (Zone F), which was
known to contain peat deposits. This survey was extended to investigate several depressions and low lying areas
of the site during January 2004 (Zones A, B, and E) (Figure 16). In conjunction with the auger survey a
topographic survey of Zones E and F was also undertaken.
5.1 SURVEY PROCEDURE
Traverses were established using ranging poles and tapes. Augers were undertaken at 20.0m intervals using a
30mm open chamber or gouge hand-auger. The open chamber auger provided a continuous profile through
deposits which could be cleaned, observed, measured, and recorded on proforma record sheets. Where the
results of adjacent augers demonstrated distinct changes in the underlying deposits, intermediate augers were
undertaken to characterise these changes more fully. The location of each auger position was recorded using
a total station theodolite.
The ground surface within Zones E and F was the subject of a detailed contour survey. Coded ‘strings’ of data
were recorded to locate significant breaks of slope within the survey area. This data was then supplemented
with an array of data points across the survey area. The resulting contour map was generated using LisCAD
software and was produced at 0.20m intervals
5.2 SURVEY RESULTS
5.2.1 Zone F
Zone F is a field of established pasture surrounded by arable land. The eastern edge the field boundary is
marked by a deep drainage ditch with upcast thrown onto the field which has created a prominent bank along
the edge. A small pond is situated on the southern side which is thought to be fed by a spring. A series of land
drains run east-west, and a recent north-south water main has been installed through the middle of the field.
Zone F represented the lowest area of ground within the area of investigation, situated approximately between
the 39m and 40m AOD contour. The topographic survey demonstrated that the boundaries of the field occupy
the highest areas of land within this Zone, at approximately 40m AOD. From this level, the ground slopes down
FIELD ARCHAEOLOGY SPECIALISTS