A settlement complex which covers some nine hectares and has field systems and other features extending beyond this core of activity.

The core of activity occupies one field but the magnetic responses extend into a second field and possibly into the corners of two fields; in total there appears to be 9ha of the main settlement. The reason for the increased magnetic response could be partly due to limestone being more prevalent in this area but the nature of the archaeological features is likely to be contributing far more to the strength of the anomalies.

It is suggested that the archaeological deposits are not only deeper than in the main field but that they reflect settlement activity with more burnt and rubbish deposits being present. It is also likely that small-scale industrial type activity, in the form of hearths, ovens and kilns, occurred in this area. There are a multitude of ditches forming enclosures, small land parcels, compounds and probably individual house plots. These appear to have been cut into by later ridge and furrow cultivation and this has also contributed to the raised magnetic levels by bringing the deposits closer to the surface. Moving away from the 9ha core, there are more field systems and enclosures, though the magnetic responses are considerably weaker. This is likely to be due to the lack of burning and accumulation of rubbish deposits; it has been observed on numerous sites elsewhere and has been referred to as a habitation effect. Two anomalies are highlighted as possibly indicating isolated features separate to the settlement complex; a small ring ditch and a rectangular feature.

John Gater, 2015, Land South of Fernwood, Nottinghamshire: Geophysical Survey Report (Unpublished document). SNT5038.