Calvert Pit Buckinghamshire

Oxford Archaeology was commissioned by FCC Environment to complete a
programme of archaeological investigation at Greatmoor, Calvert, Buckinghamshire.
The fieldwork was undertaken prior to an extension of a former clay extraction
quarry, for which planning permission was granted in 2012 (Ref: 11/20000/AWD), to
provide material for engineered backfilling and landscaping work. The fieldwork
comprised two elements: a strip, map and sample excavation (Area B) and a trial
trench evaluation (Area C). The fieldwork was undertaken in accordance with the
Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) approved under condition 16 of the
aforementioned planning consent.
The strip, map and sample excavation of Area B was completed in August 2016
uncovering an area of approximately 1ha. This revealed an arrangement of shallow
linear ditches with one part appearing to define a small enclosure. However, despite
extensive excavation of the ditch fills, no artefactual evidence was encountered to
suggest an ancient origin for these features or a more conclusive enclosure
arrangement. In contrast, only occasional modern artefacts were recovered
suggesting a 19th-20th century origin with these ditches mostly appearing to
converge upon the existing deeper drainage ditch aligned N-S across the site.
Therefore, it is likely that these reflect historical land drainage rather than more
ancient, settlement-related activities.
No archaeological features or deposits of significance were encountered within the
evaluation of Area C.