This collection comprises of site photographs and spreadsheets from a geoarchaeological survey undertaken by Headland Archaeology at Saltley Business Park, Birmingham during June 2020, in advance of the land being used as part of the construction of High Speed Rail 2.

Project Summary

A total of eight boreholes were opened, revealing a relatively thin alluvial sequence at the site, up to 1.39m in thickness. The deposit was relatively homogenous across the site and was represented by a grey silt clay with a well humified organic content.

The aims of the geoarchaeological investigation were to:

• Update the deposit model created for the Geoarchaeological Desk-Based Assessment;
• Characterise the sub-surface deposits within the survey boundaries where possible and assess their extent and nature;
• Identify the location, extent and significance of sediments of geoarchaeological (prehistoric archaeological and palaeoenvironmental) potential (for environmental remains, dating and archaeology);
• Contribute to the delivery of the GWSI: HERDS Specific Objectives as identified by the project plan (KC’s 1-5, 14 and 46).

In order to address these objectives, the following was required:

• Undertaking of a window sample survey at the site, making a record of the lithology encountered and recording the results and recommendations in a report.

Re-Use Value Statement

The areas of the site subject to this investigation have demonstrated a lack of the deep deposits normally associated with palaeochannels and a low potential to preserve palaeoenvironmental sequences. It is likely that any former courses of the Rea lie much further to the west of the surveyed area. The site does however have the potential to preserve past land-surfaces of uncertain age, i.e., that sealed under the thin skim of alluvium.