NHER 68134 (Monument record) - Probable post-medieval 'claying pits'

May-July 2014. Strip, Map and Sample Excavation.
Excavation on route of Wissington Pipeline Diversion (Field 1).
The stripping of the peaty loam topsoil from this section of the pipeline easement revealed more than 250 closely-spaced sub-circular pits. The arrangement of these features was very regular, with the lines of pits appearing to form a series of adjoining squares. The excavation of a sample of these pits demonstrated that whilst up to 4.40m long their maximum depth was only 0.33m. Little dating evidence was recovered, with the only find being a single sherd of late medieval pottery. These pits are thought to represent traces of a documented post-medieval agricultural technique known as 'claying', where pits were cut into the surface of the underlying natural deposits in order to mix this clayey material with the peaty plough soil above. This helped to prevent the drying out of the plough soil, thereby limiting the loss of material to wind erosion. Similar pits were also recorded during work to the east of this site (NHER 68137).
Although a number of bulk environmental samples were taken from the fills of these features it appears that none were processed.
Information from report uploaded to OASIS. HER copy awaited.
P. Watkins (HES), 29 February 2024.