Watching brief and metal detecting survey by Pre-construct Archaeology at Northey Island, Maldon, 2019 - EEX59779

A watching brief and metal detector survey during the removal of existing concrete blocks facing the embankment above the saltmarsh level, the lowering of the embankment to just above present saltmarsh level and infilling of the borrow ditch with that sediment to allow for saltmarsh habitat creation across the works area and to the rising land behind (approximately 0.17ha). A new 18-20m closing bank was constructed to the eastern end of the works area to prevent flooding to the field in the east and a short section of the embankment remained in-situ to the west end, and all ground reduction was carried out under archaeological supervision using a 360⁰ mechanical excavator with toothless ditching bucket. Metal detecting survey was undertaken on all exposed ground surfaces and generated spoil.