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NPPF emergency funded desk-based and excavation work at Oak Tree Fields, Cerney Wick, Gloucestershire. In 2017 mammoth remains and two flint handaxes were recovered from a working quarry. DigVentures were commissioned by Historic England to undertake a project evaluating the potential for in situ archaeology at Oak Tree Fields, Cerney Wick Gloucestershire, with funding allocated under the terms of NPPF Emergency Assistance. The project has completed an assessment of previously collected materials recovered from the site (Russ et al. 2019; Stage 2a Review Point 3), a programme of fieldwalking and investigation of the lithostratigraphic sequence through geoarchaeological boreholes (Hogue et al. 2019, Stage 2b Review Point 4; and in Hogue et al. 2020 Appendix 1 and Appendix 2), and targeted field investigations (Stage 3 Review Point 5), including stratigraphic assessment; multiproxy palaeoenvironmental assessment of pollen, plant macrofossils, molluscs, insects and vertebrates and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, as well as Updated Project Design (Hogue et al. 2020a, Stage 4 Review Points 6). The final technical report on the results of subsequent analyses as recommended and in fulfilment of Stage 5, Tasks 5.1 - 5.4, Review Point of the Updated Project Design, Review Point 7 (Hogue et al. 2020b). The potential for these results to refine our understanding of the site's geological formation processes and aiding palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimate reconstruction is discussed in the final section of this report.

NPPF emergency funded desk-based and excavation work at Oak Tree Fields, Cerney Wick, Gloucestershire. In 2017 mammoth remains and two flint handaxes were recovered from a working quarry. DigVentures were commissioned by Historic England to undertake a project evaluating the potential for in situ archaeology at Oak Tree Fields, Cerney Wick Gloucestershire, with funding allocated under the terms of NPPF Emergency Assistance. The project has completed an assessment of previously collected materials recovered from the site (Russ et al. 2019; Stage 2a Review Point 3), a programme of fieldwalking and investigation of the lithostratigraphic sequence through geoarchaeological boreholes (Hogue et al. 2019, Stage 2b Review Point 4; and in Hogue et al. 2020 Appendix 1 and Appendix 2), and targeted field investigations (Stage 3 Review Point 5), including stratigraphic assessment; multiproxy palaeoenvironmental assessment of pollen, plant macrofossils, molluscs, insects and vertebrates and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dating, as well as Updated Project Design (Hogue et al. 2020a, Stage 4 Review Points 6). The final technical report on the results of subsequent analyses as recommended and in fulfilment of Stage 5, Tasks 5.1 - 5.4, Review Point of the Updated Project Design, Review Point 7 (Hogue et al. 2020b). The potential for these results to refine our understanding of the site's geological formation processes and aiding palaeoenvironmental and palaeoclimate reconstruction is discussed in the final section of this report.

Community excavation on the inner bailey gatehouse at Pontefract Castle, involving targeted excavation, photogrammetric survey and a programme of public engagement. Significant remains were uncovered during the investigation, enabling a reinterpretation of the building and surrounding landscape during the medieval and post-medieval periods. The excavation area was an irregular shape in plan, measuring approximately 15m long and 10m wide between the existing footpath in front of the visitor centre and the base of the steps into the inner bailey. Seven distinct phases of activity were observed within the trench. The earliest represented by a casing wall which predated the construction of the gatehouse in the 14th or 15th century. The gatehouse structure is now understood to have been aligned north to south, forming a barbican passage bridge over the moat, within which was a large drawbridge pit. Mason's marks found inside this pit and on the surviving external elevations of the building indicate it was likely constructed as part of a larger scheme of castle renovation commissioned in the 14th century. Layers investigated from within the drawbridge pit demonstrated a gradual accumulation of deposits from as early as the 14th through to the 17th century. Masonry of a different construction technique was found abutting one of the gatehouse towers. This structure has tentatively been interpreted as part of a redans built prior to the Civil War sieges in the 1640s. Further evidence for the sieges was found within the drawbridge pit where significant layers consisting of large stone rubble fragments indicated the castle's demolition. Numerous lead musket balls dating to this period were also found from these deposits. Later episodes of robbing activity were evident around many of the walls, dating from the demolition of the gatehouse in 1649 through to the mid 19th century. By the 1880s much of the castle was subject to archaeological recording before the entire area was landscaped. At this time much of the upstanding gatehouse remains were remodelled to fit the aesthetic of a late Victorian romantic ruin. Public engagement was a key part of the success of the project, providing a range of opportunities for local community members, school children and visitors to the area to learn more about the archaeology of Pontefract Castle. A significant impact was made on participants and visitors alike, attracting a diverse community of people from an area of high deprivation to explore their heritage in new and different ways. The project succeeded in changing people's perception of archaeology and local history while giving the opportunity to improve their skills and understanding of the discipline. Insights gained from this evaluation have established a clear community need and demand for more archaeological work at Pontefract Castle, and should assist with the impactful design and funding applications for any future activities.

A growing body of research suggests that the respiratory system may be limited in its ability to meet the demands of increased ventilitory work. This is supported by studies reporting altered contractile properties of the diaphragm in response to increased ventilations. In order to determine if expiratory muscle function is affected by increased ventilitory demand, this study evaluated maximal expiratory pressure, PeMax, in response to two separate short-term, high-intensity exercise trials. Males (n=7) and females (n=5) not currently in active physical training underwent a VO₂ max test and a constant workload of 90% of VO₂ max. PeMax was measured at rest, immediately post exercise, and at one two and five minutes into recovery for both exercise trials. PeMax values were found to decrease 12% and 17% in response to graded and constant workload conditions respectively (P