A trial trench was located at the northern extent of the Site and waspositioned to investigate an apparently archaeologically blank area. Within the trench however, were recorded a number of ditches and a pit, sealed beneath a c. 1.2m deep deposit of alluvial clay. Three sets of inter-cutting features were investigated showing that across this part of the Site were a number of U-profiled ditches on varying alignments.

Pottery sherds were retrieved from two of the ditches, which dated to the mid-2nd century AD, showing them to be of Roman date. A small amount of animal bone was
also recovered, and included sheep/goat species and cattle. Some ditch fills also contained large (unworked) blocks of stone. An environmental sample from a waterlogged deposit suggested a nearby landscape of scrub and waste ground, possibly interspersed with small patches of open ground. The high level of common nettle seeds present in the sample may indicate an increased level of nitrogen, often associated with manuring.

This trench was located in an area of no cropmarks or significant geophysical readings. Various ditches were, however, identified under an alluvial horizon. They are thought to be of Roman date, relating to past agricultural activities, but not too far removed from areas of contemporary settlement. It is considered that the focus of Roman activity may lie to the north, beyond the proposed site boundary.

G. Coates & A. Richmond, 2015, Land at Flash Farm, Averham, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Evaluation, Trial Trenching, Page 39 (Unpublished document). SNT5680.