Between January and March 2011, Trenches A and B were machined and features investigated by Oxford Archaeology East - the central (4m-wide) easement of a water pipeline by Essex and Suffolk Water, c.170m long to the south of the A11.<1>

The earliest evidence of activity on this site comprised several tree throws (eg. 127 and 187) spread throughout the excavation area. Worked flint of possible prehistoric origin was recorded with the fills of several of these features, indicating a Bronze Age date for land clearance.
The only features showing definite Bronze Age activity were a small pit 212 of unclear function, as well as an enclosure ditch 232 running east to west. This ditch aligns with a linear feature seen within a complex of cropmarks to the east, of unknown date.
Several features which, although not conclusively dated, were believed to be Iron Age in origin. At the northern part of the excavation, a circular enclosure 272 and 235 was excavated. It was slightly irregular in shape and the fills did not contain any evidence of domestic occupation, therefore it is suggestive of its use as an animal enclosure. This feature extended outside of the excavation area, so its full extent is unclear.
To the south of the enclosure was a post-hole with two additional slots attached 216 which may of acted as a windbreak to give protection for a small working area. A narrow linear ditch 200 was evident to the south. Given its narrow size and U shaped profile, the report suggests this is likely to had a structural function such as a fence line. Although it is undated, given its close proximity it may contemporary with the enclosure.