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OA South investigated the 43-hectare site as part of the London Gateway Port development. The site was to be converted to mudflats to create a habitat for wading birds.
This ambitious project involved reducing the ground level across the whole area, creating a new sea wall, and breaching the existing sea wall to allow the site to be flooded by the tidal waters of the Thames estuary.
Following a public inquiry in 2003, DP World committed to implementing the London Gateway Archaeological Mitigation Framework, recognising that important archaeology potentially lay buried beneath the site. It ensured that historic remains were preserved or investigated before the site was flooded and contracted OA South to carry out the work.
The fieldwork uncovered nationally important remains of a Roman salt-production industry. Evidence such as wood and plant remains that does not normally survive on archaeological sites was preserved beneath the alluvial mud. In addition, structures, ditches, tanks, hearths and other features associated with salt extraction were recorded.
The investigation required an integrated approach between archaeologists, environmental specialists and the developers. The success of the project has been due to the commitment of the many individuals and organisations involved, including OA, DP World, Carillion, English Heritage, and Essex County Council.
