These trenches were close to the NE boundary, in an apparently archaeologically ‘blank’ area. After machining, several features were identified in one trench, including a curvi-linear ditch, two post-holes, three pits and two ditches. Two pits were also identified in a second trench.

The curvi-linear ditch had a U-shaped profile with two fills. It was truncated at its NW extent by a larger ditch. On the inside of the curve was a row of irregular-shaped post-holes. Where excavated they had steep sides and irregular bases, to a depth of 0.25m. The slight impression of a post-pipe was recorded in one feature. To the north was an ovoid pit, with steep concave sides and a rounded base. Excavation identified three silt-rich, but artefact-poor fills.

One of the two pits identified in the second trench, was sample excavated. It has steep sides to a flat base at 1.1m depth. Its diameter was in excess of 2m. Excavation showed it to be filled with numerous thin layers of silt, clay and sand, none of which contained any artefacts.

The undated features identified in these two trenches appear to relate to some form of rural settlement activity, probably relating to a former agricultural landscape. The curvi-linear ditch and associated post-hole alignment in the first trench may be the remains of a former enclosure and fence line. The lack of features in trenches to the west suggests that the identified archaeology may relate to the extensive cropmarks to the east, outside of the proposed development area.

G. Coates & A. Richmond, 2015, Land at Flash Farm, Averham, Nottinghamshire: Archaeological Evaluation, Trial Trenching, Page 43 (Unpublished document). SNT5680.