SNN115103 - 1EW03- Enabling Works Central AWHf- Fieldwork Report for Trial Trench Evaluation at Hlase Copse Farm, Northamptonshire (AC300)

A Trial Trench Evaluation was carried out at lands at Halse Copse Farm located c. 1.5km to the southeast of Greatworth Village. The works commenced on the 19th August 2020 and were completed 18th September 2020. a total of 131 trial trenches across an area which measured 17.75ha in total. An initial phase of geophysical survey across the northern part of the Site was rendered ineffectual by the presence of green waste manure. In lieu of geophysical survey, two phases of trial trench evaluation were undertaken in 2018 at Halse Copse South (Site Codes: 1C17HALTT and 1C17HCETT). These investigations returned scant evidence of Roman and medieval/ post-medieval activity. The results of the current phase of Trial Trenching identified a number of discrete features which likely represent post-medieval field boundary ditches, many appear to respect the current hedgerows and reflect smaller fields that would have subdivided the existing agricultural land. Evidence of heavily truncated ridge and furrow cultivation was also identified, these were clustered in the central field of the site and appear to be aligned with the orientation of the field.