(Three) trial trenches were initially opened using an 18 ton, 360 degree excavator, using a toothless ditching bucket, to remove topsoil down to the level of natural geology or archaeology, whichever was higher. The trenches were excavated to the width of the bucket except at the suspected intersection of features, where an open area trench was required in order to allow visibility. The trenches were extended to a length of c.20m. (1) See E9362 for geophysical survey.