West Moor a large circular depression or "alas" was formed by periglacial action. The land is likely to have been dominated by peat formation until its drainage, first to the south of this area by Vermuyden, and later, within the area of this polygon, as a probable result of the enclosure act of 1774 (date from English 1985, 6). The land is shown as rough ground on Jefferys 1775 mapping, but was enclosed by 1825 (Doncaster MBC 2006 mapping of boundaries visible on Fishlake etc enclosure award). Despite the loss of hedged boundaries typical in this area the area still retains a strong geometric pattern produced by its strict drainage patterns.