Harvestslade, Burley, New Forest, Hampshire

Oxford Archaeology South (OAS) was commissioned by The Forestry Commission to
undertake an archaeological watching brief at Harvestslade, Burley, in the New Forest
(centred on SU 2073 0562). The work was carried out as part of the planning application
for the Wetlands Restoration Project. The work was undertaken over one day on the
9th September 2015.
During the restoration of meanders through the area the works slightly impacted upon
two sites, two sites where burnt flints are eroding from the stream bank, possibly
relating to a burnt mound OA 28 and 29.
The works revealed the nature of the previous meander cut by the current stream,
seen in the area of OA 28 and 29.
A small number of unworked burnt flints were uncovered in one of the upper deposits
within the earlier meander. The origin of these was uncertain as they have been
eroded from a nearby area either adjacent or upstream of the deposit. It is unknown
as to whether the flints were burnt by natural or human means, nor were there any
associated artefacts or datable material.
The archaeological watching brief was able to record deposits in the area of known
archaeological features, where they were exposed by the works.
During the works no previously unknown archaeological sites and finds were
encountered, nor were any identified that might have been exposed by works
incorporating the wider scheme.