Site Event/Activity record ECH5440 - Evaluation of the Environmental Potential of Sediments at Belmont Moated Site, Great Budworth, Cheshire

Sediments from the moated site at Belmont Hall, Great Budworth, were examined, described and selectively analysed for pollen content, with a view to assessing whether detailed analytical work is needed prior to proposed cleaning of the moat. Results indicate that there may have been some dredging of the moat in the past, and only the very basal layers are original. These contain an unusual juxtaposition of cereal and heather pollens suggesting either crop processing occurred on site, or deliberate soil improvement which enabled the planting of cereals on previously acid land.