NHER 26966 (Monument record) - Modern extraction pits

September 2002. Norfolk NMP.
Two large, amorphous pits or ponds at the western end of the Babingley River (S1), which appear to have had a series of straight sided and rectangular features cut around their edges. The features are situated to the immediate landward side of sea defence bank NHER 36876, and are unlikely to be influenced by tidal waters. Likewise they straddle a cut-off meander that was formerly part of the Babingley River although the river does not flow into the features. The features may be may be partly natural and partially anthropogenic, or entirely the result of repetitive human action. In April 1946 the northern group of features appears to be freshly cut, while the southern group of features appears to be overgrown and partially silted up.
The purpose of these features is not known. They are not depicted on the second edition Ordnance Survey (S2) but are evident by 1946 (S1). They may simply represent extraction or turf stripping although the regularity of the shapes of the features suggests some deliberate method to the excavations. The fact that they are not within the area of tidal influence suggest they are not artificial shellfish beds and likewise salt production also seems an unlikely use.
See also NHER 26963 and 26612.
M. Brennand (NMP), 25 September 2002.