An archaeological excavation was carried out by Colchester Archaeological Trust in 2007, in advance of the expansion area on the western side of the quarry (stage 3 western extension). The 2007 excavation took place in two areas (Areas D and E, c.1.4ha in area), divided by the line of a temporary quarry road (which had been excavated in 2004).<1><2> A few Late Bronze Age features were revealed, including a large pit (F238), possibly a waterhole, which yielded a substantial group (4kg) of Late Bronze Age pottery. There was also a small quantity of pottery dated as Early and Middle Iron Age, all of which was residual in later-dated features. The most intensive period of occupation was dated to the Late Iron Age and Roman periods, with features extending beyond the north edge of the excavation area (subsequently defined in 2008; see ECC3675). Most of the features comprised ditches forming enclosures, indicative of stock management; one had a ditched track or droveway on the west side. Apart from two large pits, dated to the mid to late Roman period, most of the remaining features attributed to this period consisted of pits, and small pits or post-holes. No definite buildings were revealed, although the finds assemblage certainly indicated settlement in the immediate vicinity. A field system was established during the medieval and post-medieval periods, with ditched tracks or droveways, probably associated primarily with sheep farming. There was little evidence of occupation in this area during this period, although a few pits of post-medieval date probably indicate settlement close to the north-eastern part of Area D. The 2007 excavation included part of an area showing a surface spread of Roman finds denoting a Roman settlement (CAT Report 8).<1><3> This is the same event record as ECC3534 (Essex CC HER).