The ditches observed during this phase of SMR appear to line up with the cropmarks visible on aerial photographs. This may suggest they are part of the wider Romano-British field system excavated to the east, which also corresponded with the cropmarks, although no dating was recovered during this phase to confirm the features are contemporary the presence of a false oatgrass tuber may support a Romano-British date. The coal and clinker within the environmental samples would suggest the ditches are more recent and in fact later medieval/post-medieval, although these findings could signify later contamination.

The first ditch had a north-east to south-west alignment and was located toward the northern boundary of the excavation area. This feature was investigated across four slots along its 44 m length and measured up to 1.82 m wide by 0.41 m deep with a moderately sloping concave profile. The full length of the ditch was not observed as it continued beyond the limits of the excavation area.

The primary fill derived from initial infilling with material from the sides of the ditch. Within three interventions, the fill originated from the south-east side of the ditch, although in an intervention, the fill appeared to have derived from both sides equally. This fill consisted of light to mid brown sand with occasional subrounded stones, with a thickness of 0.08-0.11 m. This was sealed by a secondary fill of homogeneous mid brown sand 0.21–0.38 m thick, suggestive of gradual infilling. No finds were retrieved from the interventions; a sample was taken from secondary fill, which produced a small number of charred plant remains and small quantities of mature wood charcoal.

The second ditch had a north-east to south-west alignment and was located toward the centre of the excavation area. This feature was investigated across five slots along its 49 m length and measured up to 0.84 m wide by 0.33 m deep, becoming narrower and shallower toward the terminal. The ditch profile varied considerably from a flat base with straight sides at the north-east end, to a moderately sloping concave profile at the terminal.

The ditch contained a single homogeneous fill consisting of mid greyish brown sand, derived from gradual natural silting processes. A sample was taken from the fill, which was sterile in charred plant remains but contained small quantities of mature wood charcoal.

Rachael Capps, 2021, Scrooby Top Quarry, Nottinghamshire, North-west Extension: Archaeological Strip, Map and Record (Unpublished document). SNT5786.