A series of defensive features are visible as earthworks on 1940s RAF vertical aerial photographs [1]. The features lie on the northern side of the small sewage works at Little Downs Bridge and appear to relate to the defence of this position during WWII as no other facilities were observed close to this location.

Three short parallel slit trenches lie on the northern boundary of the sewage works. The two northernmost lines are c.25m long, whilst that to the south is c.40m long and protected by lengths of banking around its perimeter. A further, much smaller slit trench lies 13m to the north of these features, this measures 5m long and is protected by a bank on its northern side. A probable machine gun position, defined by a pennanular bank, lies 20m north of this feature. These features are no longer visible and appear to have been plough-levelled on recent aerial photography [2-3].

A transcription of the features recorded from aerial photography exists within a GIS layer held by this HER [4].

<2> Next Perspectives consortium via English Heritage, 2003, 2007, Next Perspective PGA georeferenced aerial photograph data, Tile Ref: PGA_TR3557_2003-08-14 (Graphic material). SWX15711.

<3> Next Perspectives consortium via English Heritage, 2003, 2007, Next Perspective PGA georeferenced aerial photograph data, Tile Ref: PGA_TR3556_2003-08-14 (Graphic material). SWX15711.

<4> Wessex Archaeology, 2009-10, South-East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - Aerial Photographic Transcriptions (Digital archive). SWX15705.

<4> Wessex Archaeology, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey - (SE RCZAS) Phase 1: National Mapping Programme Report (Unpublished document). SKE25955.

<4> Cornwall Council Historic Environment Projects and Gloucestershire County Council, 2011, South East Rapid Coastal Zone Assessment Survey National Mapping Programme Components 1&2: Results of NMP Mapping (Unpublished document). SKE25954.