In summer 2023, National Grid appointed Cotswolds Archaeology to carry out a preliminary archaeological investigation which involved desk-based assessments and on-site geophysical surveys. These identified several potential areas of interest as well as some evidence of Prehistoric and Roman activity within the vicinity of the VIP project route. 

This new phase of activity will involve Cotswolds Archaeology’s team excavating over 200 investigation trenches, which will explore features that were identified by the initial geophysical survey in more detail.  

Survey work recently began in a number of pre-agreed locations towards the south of the Cotswolds VIP route near Ham Road, Whittington, and over the coming weeks the team will work its way north towards Winchcombe.  We anticipate that the project fieldwork will be completed by early 2025.

Please don’t be surprised therefore if you see some of our vehicles and teams in hi vis jackets out and about in the local area.   

We have been granted consent by the relevant landowners for this activity where required, and National Grid will continue to work to ensure all necessary permissions are obtained.  Together with our contractors, we aim to complete the work with the least disruption to local residents and visitors to the area as possible.

Please note that this activity does not represent the start of construction activity on the VIP project. National Grid’s recently submitted planning applications for the scheme, while a submission to industry regulator Ofgem for the funding of the project will also be submitted shortly.  If approved, work on the project would commence on site in early 2026.

If you have any questions about the project or the works taking place, please contact the team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0330 134 0051 (and leaving a message if you are prompted).