SNN100262 - A Report On An Archaeological Watching Brief And Dyke Survey At The 'Oundle Snipe Complex - Countryside Stewardship Scheme'

The original specification concerned the re-working of seasonal flooded pasture meadowland, immediately west of the River Nene and to the north of North Bridge, Oundle. The Environmental Agency, in partnership with Northampton County Council, the landowners, FRCA and Oundle Town Council, proposed works to improve the management of water meadows, to encourage the return of wading birds to the area. The works involved the cleaning of numerous drains across the meadowland, exposing c.1800m of machine cleaned ditches. Of particular interest was the site of a potential barrow. Particular restraints had been set in place to protect this site, meaning that the dredging machine could not be placed directly on top of it. It was therefore overcut on one side and inspected prior to any possible disturbance. Due to the methodology of the dyke cleaning, i.e. the undercutting, it was not possible to observe any floodplain deposits. This was also hindered by the high water level which, even after cleaning, prevented inspection of any possible profiles. To summarise then, it is highly probable that the area in question is of archaeological interest. It was, however, the prime concern of this watching brief to monitor the drainage works. No archaeological remains were encountered