Trial Trench Evaluation

This is often characterised by machine excavation of trial trenches, determined as a percentage of the development area, to establish the presence or otherwise of archaeological features within a development site. They are always agreed in advance with the Local Planning Authority based on a Written Scheme of Investigation and are undertaken in line with the standards set by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

Groundworks Archaeology can consult with the Planning Archaeologist on your behalf and help determine the best location for the trial trenches based on documentary research such as a Desk Based Assessment, aerial photography, geophysical survey, and past investigations.

An efficient service

Our experienced staff will supervise the work and will record any archaeological features discovered. It should be borne in mind that evaluations are not full excavations; they are intended to characterise the archaeology with minimal intrusion, provide sufficient information to the planning authority on the need or otherwise for further mitigation and to inform a suitable mitigation strategy for any further archaeological work.

Other techniques that can be applied include geophysical prospection, walkover surveys, aerial survey and auguring.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services

Matrix Planning has commissioned Groundworks Archaeology for a number of sizeable projects in recent years, ranging from desk-based assessments to evaluations. James is always happy to help at short notice and is highly enthusiastic. He is realistic and readily understands project constraints.

We have found him to be very knowledgeable about the planning application process when it comes to addressing archaeological conditions. He has liaised on our behalf with the various planning authorities to establish the parameters of the works required, thus ensuring that we were able to comply with the conditions without incurring significant costs or delays.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services to anyone else undertaking a development project, whatever its size or scale."

Matrix Planning