An archaeological watching brief was undertaken during house construction and associated ground works on land off Atkin Lane, High Oakham, Mansfield. The area is currently uncultivated arable land on the southwestern extent of Mansfield. Planning permission had been granted for the consutrction of 30 new houses and associated roads and garages on the 1.4 ha site. The archaeological watching brief was divided in two major phases; the first phase involved the stripping of an access road across the middle of the development area. The second phase of work involved the stripping areas in sequence in advance of house building. These works were observed and the spoil was examined for finds. Approximately 50% of the development area was oberserved during the course of this watching brief and despite its promising location, nothing of archaeological significance was observed. The sand stratum appeared to have been heavily truncated by ploughing which may account, in part, for the absence of archaeological remains. The post-medieval trackway may be of comparatively recent date as it also appeared to be in alignment with an existing gateway to High Oakham Farm and therefore may have been in use up until relatively recent times. Early maps of the area were consulted to assess whether the trackway had been recorded previously. In particular, the 1740 map of the trackway known ad the Coal Way Wain was examined. However, the map shows this as aligned northwest to southeast while the trackway recorded during the watching brief was aligned northeast to southwest. While it is not impossible that the trackway was connected with the Coal Way Wain, it does not appear to be the trackway itself. Material from the trackway included 20th century pottery so it may be a later feature. The number of fire cracked pebbles observed during the watching brief was of interest; these are often associated with prehistoric or Romano-British activity. Unfortunately no source for these was recorded. However it may be assumed that they originate from nearby and therefore may be a settlement of that date nearby. A Romano-British site is known to the south and southeast of the development area.