Site Event/Activity record ECH4265 - Engine Vein, Alderley Edge, Cheshire; a detailed archaeological survey and surface evaluation.

The survey was undertaken during July 2005 by the University of Manchester Archaeological Unit. It showed that there remains a large amount of evidence for mining and other activity at Engive Vein from the Mesolithic/early Neolithic through to the 20th centruy but that these remains are in danger from erosion. The mine spoil, probably dating to multiple periods from the Bronze Age to the nineteeth century, is being washed away by rain water. As well as removing the mine spoil, this activity also exposes early mining evidence originally protected by its burial within that spoil, and exposes these features to erosion. THis erosion is also affecting the already exposed workings within the fault and cross faults. In addition to this a buried peat horizon was observed in places to the west of the fault, and may represent a prehistoric ground surface. The limited excavation was incoclusive as to the nature of the Seven Firs earthwork. However, it was revealed that it was constructed from well-developed soils rather than the mine spoil associated with other 18th century landscape features, and that there is worked flint associated with the earthwork, although it is not clear if this is in situ or redeposited.