Low Plains Quarry, Lazonby, Cumbria- Watching Brief

Oxford Archaeology North was commissioned by Tarmac Northern Ltd to archaeologically supervise the removal of a soil bund and associated top-soil strip at their quarry at Low Plains, Lazonby, Cumbria (NGR: NY 4997 4166). The work took place in July 2005, prior to the extension of the quarry. This was the third phase of archaeological fieldwork at the quarry and previously a significant group of four Bronze Age cremations in 2004 had been discovered (OA North 2005); this was located less than 5m to the east of the site. The potential for further Bronze Age cremations within the quarry extension was, therefore, considered high.
The site lies within an area of known prehistoric sites, particularly on the nearby Lazonby Fell, where Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age sites are located. The programme of works was designed to locate any subsurface features, specifically further evidence of Bronze Age cremation activity.
Following acceptance of a project design produced by OA North in accordance with a verbal brief by Cumbria County Council, an area measuring 1000m² was stripped under archaeological supervision. No features of any archaeological significance were revealed during the programme of works, although one flint was recovered from the surface of the natural subsoil.
On the basis of these results the topsoil strip for the quarry extension was able to proceed without further archaeological works. However, it is recommended that if there are further quarry works in the area of the present site then these should be subject to additional archaeological investigation.