An archaeological evaluation of an 11.5-hectare area was located to the south of Staythorpe Road, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5RG. The trial trench evaluation is to be completed in two phases; this report is focussed on the first phase of works, which has been undertaken predetermination. A total of 18 trial trenches, each measuring 50 m in length and 2 m wide, were excavated. Archaeological remains were present in seven of the trenches, predominantly in the west, central south-east and north-east of the site. The earliest feature uncovered was a north-east–south-west aligned Late Neolithic ditch, which was noted in three trenches in the central south-east part of the site. Sherds of Grooved Ware and Beaker pottery were recovered from one of the ditch fills, as well as worked flint typical of Late Mesolithic/Early Neolithic forms. Evidence of post-medieval/modern boundary ditches was also recorded in the north and western parts of the site and correspond well with boundaries shown on the 1884 Ordnance Survey (OS) map, as well as with some of the anomalies identified in the geophysical survey. Additionally, a palaeochannel was identified at the northern edge of the site that was potentially a continuation of a river channel, from which a human thigh bone carbon dated to the Mesolithic period was recovered from, 1.3 km to the east of site. The finds range in date from Late Mesolithic to modern. The most significant find was a group of Late Neolithic pottery. Although only a small assemblage, the pottery holds some regional significance. The presence of burnt residues on the interior of some sherds also provides the potential for samples to be taken for radiocarbon dating and for the contents to be analysed. The bulk sediment samples from the upper fills of the palaeochannel contained plant remains indicative of medieval/post-medieval settlement. All samples recovered from the channel showed evidence of bioturbation, indicating that much of the material had been reworked. The monolith sample taken through the fills of the palaeochannel showed evidence of fluctuating water levels, contributing to the decay of any material in the waterlogged deposits. The potential preservation of environmental evidence is considered poor.