Fieldwalking by Hertfordshire Archaeological Trust in 2000 (see ECC3501) on the site of a proposed new mineral extraction area on land south of Fingringhoe Ballast Quarry revealed no evidence of the adjacent Anglo-Saxon cemetery, although a single undiagnostic handmade pottery sherd from the western periphery of the main southern parcel of land may date from the early Anglo-Saxon (or Iron Age) period. Much post medieval tile was recovered from the site, evenly distributed and (the report suggested) probably derived from manuring of the site, rather than clusters suggestive of the presence of substantial structures such as barns.<1>

12 trenches (550m in total length x 1.8m wide) were excavated by Archaeological Solutions in 2004 in areas of the site (c.14.6 ha. in total) identified by fieldwalking as having concentrations of archaeological material; Trenches 1-10 were located to investigate the main concerntration of worked and burnt flint in the centre of the main southern area and 11-12 over the area that produced the handmade sherd of Iron Age/Anglo-saxon pottery. A number of features were recorded, including pits in T1, T4 and T10, two postholes (in T5) and ditches in T6, T10 , T11 and T12 (in T11 and T12, the features could be ditch terminals or pits) and also possible tree hollows, although the majority were undated. Two Roman urned cremations (F1013 and 1014) were defined in T9, neither of which was lifted during the evaluation (although loose sherds were collected).<2>

In addition to two boundary ditches on the western side of Tower Field and numerous tree hollows, a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording in Tower Field revealed an undated pit and ditches; all but one of the latter were undated. Two of the ditches were curvilinear and may represent the remains of an enclosure.<3>

In October 2009, Archaeological Solutions Ltd carried out a programme of archaeological monitoring and recording on behalf of Thames & Colne River Aggregates Ltd during groundworks associated with the extension of the current quarry development. No further features or finds were present.<4>

Area excavation (Phase 5) revealed 35 features, the majority of which were boundary or enclosure ditches and drainage gullies. Principle features comprised one grave and two cremations. Finds included flint flakes and sparse Iron Age pottery sherds.<5>