SNN105848 - Archaeological Evaluation Trial Trenching: Nun Wood Proposed Wind Farm, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire & Milton Keynes

Phoenix Consulting Archaeology Ltd carried out an archaeological trench evaluation of the proposed Nun Wood Wind Farm, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, during September 2006. The work was carried out on behalf of npower renewables and was part of an archaeological evaluation programme required to assess the extent, nature and survival of archaeological features within those parts of the site where intrusive development will take place. The proposed development is the construction of sixteen wind turbines, two anemometry masts and a sub-station building, along with associated access tracks. An archaeological desk-based assessment, prepared as part of the required Environmental Impact Assessment, identified few sites within the confines of the application area, and none in the vicinity of any of the proposed turbines. One access track, however, was to cross the northern limit of the known deserted medieval villager (DMV) of Santon Barn. Following the desk-based research, a programme of evaluation was requested by the planning authorities prior to determination of the application. The evaluation is to consist of geophysical survey and trial trenching. Due to issues of accessibility the trial trenching took place first and is reported on in this document. The geophysical survey is programmed to take place in the near future and will be reported on separately. The results of both surveys were required by the planning officers in order for them to make their recommendations on the application. The trial trenching exercise encountered stratified archaeological remains in only two of the nineteen trenches opened. Trench 8, 200m downslope from the earthwork remains of Santon Barn DMV, contained a single-fill ovoid pit with pottery dating to the 12th century. Trench 17, to the immediate north of Santon Barn DMV, contained a substantial ditch with pottery from a recut fill of 12th century date. A single sherd of abraded Romano-British pottery was also recovered from this fill. The results suggest that Santon Barn DMV continues to the north of its presently recorded northern extent and that outlying activity relating to the former settlement exists 200m to the east, in the vicinity of a stream that runs down the valley. All other trenches were archaeologically blank, although the truncated remains of former ridge and furrow were located in Trench 2.