Here’s the answer to field trench teaser

It’s not the work of giant moles, or a sign of alien activity, but archaeological excavations ahead of huge housing growth to the north of Houghton Regis and Lewsey Farm.

Central Beds Council approved the proposals for 7,000 homes at the beginning of October, and the first planning application is due soon.

Councillor Nigel Young, responsible for strategic planning and economic development, said: “These are trial trenches being dug as part of a programme of archaeological field evaluation.

“It’s being done to provide information on archaeology for the environmental statement that will accompany forthcoming plans for the development of the land.

“The first phase was a geophysical survey, which has been followed by the trial trenching to identify where archaeological remains survive, their date and what type of site they represent.”