Camel Creek, Tredinnick, Cornwall

Oxford Archaeology was commissioned by Pegasus Group on behalf of Camel Creek Ltd to undertake an archaeological evaluation at the site of a proposed expansion of the holiday and leisure park at Tredinnick, Cornwall. The evaluation comprised 49 trenches, which were located to investigate anomalies identified during a preceding geophysical survey.
A substantial number of archaeological features were identified during survey and evaluation trenching, including linear features such as ditches and gullies indicative of the past management of field systems and a small number of annular gullies, probably representing the remains of dwellings rather than barrows. Very few artefacts were recovered during the evaluation, which, although not unusual for Cornwall, has made the dating of most features highly uncertain.
A small number of features produced broadly datable artefact groups. One of the linear ditches produced a modest amount of worked flint blades, most likely relating to an area of prehistoric tool production and use. From one of the annular gullies and an associated posthole came three pieces of Roman or late prehistoric Gabbroic ware from the Lizard Peninsula. The meagre ceramic assemblage from the linear features included only post-medieval wares.
The geophysical survey and trenching in combination provide a robust assessment of the site’s archaeological potential. However, the scarcity of artefacts and other evidence limits what can be said regarding the significance of the remains. Further excavation would provide opportunities to improve the currently ambiguous dating and interpretation of many of the features.