Phase 1 The proposed works were to comprise the excavation of 30 trenches measuring 50m by 1.8m (Phase 1 trenches). The trenches were positioned to provide an even coverage of the proposed development area and to investigate the results of the geophysical survey. Trenches 8, 9, 17, 18 and 19 were excavated in the area where the preceding geophysical survey had indicated intense roadside activity and therefore had greater potential to contain archaeological remains. Archaeological investigations in this area were minimally intrusive and limited to the hand dug slots requested by the archaeological advisor to Swindon Borough Council. The limited scope of the investigation was driven by the intention to preserve the remain in situ, but works were further restricted due to poor ground conditions. The presence of public rights of way, ecological exclusion zones and services were taken into consideration when producing the proposed trench layout; however, minor alterations were required in the field due to unforeseen constraints. Localised flooding prevented the excavation of Trench 11. Trenches 19a and 19b were moved slightly from their intended location to avoid the overhead cables. Once the trenches had been open, all spoil heaps and the exposed archaeological features were scanned with a metal detector. All recovered finds were assigned a unique identifying number and associated with the context from which they were recovered. A previously disturbed inhumation was identified during the mechanical removal of overburden deposits and a buried soil in Trench 8. Upon discovery of the burial an application was submitted to the Ministry of Justice for a burial licence should further remains be identified. Phase 2 The seven trenches were positioned in accordance with the proposed layout established in the WSI and were positioned to ground truth the results of the geophysical survey. The trenches were located using a GPS with sub-25mm accuracy. Mechanical excavation was undertaken using a 13 ton 360�, fitted with a toothless bucket, under the direct supervision of an archaeologist. Spoil was stored adjacent to, but at a safe distance from, the trench edges. Phase 3 The presence of dense shrubbery constricted space in the proposed locations of Trenches 34, 35a and 35b, and therefore the trenches were reduced in length and their orientations altered. The trenches were located using a GPS with sub-15mm accuracy. Mechanical excavation was undertaken using a JCB 3CX fi...