Archaeology

We’ve been working closely with Suffolk County Council’s Archaeology Team and contractors to undertake the excavation of 29 trenches across two of three Suffolk Reclaim the Rain communities: 12 trenches in Little Blakenham and 17 in Friston.

To inform this work, first, a desk study to review known archaeological significance was carried out. This work indicated the need to undertake further assessment and excavation across the footprints of our proposed flood storage and reservoir sites. The importance of undertaking excavation is to confirm whether a site holds archaeological significance or not. The outputs of this fieldwork and final report determines if additional mitigation is required during delivery and construction phases.

In Little Blakenham, aside from uncovering a Neolithic flint scraper (pictured), little else was found. The same was the case in Friston too, which is a result for the Reclaim the Rain team, though a less interesting dig for the contractors. Norfolk is soon to follow, with 42 trenches planned for excavation across another proposed reservoir site in Watton. This work is a positive step in the right direction for the Project Team as planned delivery of three large-scale water resilience projects nears in Norfolk and Suffolk.