Watching Brief (Archaeological Observation)

What is a Watching Brief?

A Watching Brief or Archaeological Observation is usually specified as a Planning Condition to monitor groundworks on sites where there is either a history of or likelihood of archaeological remains.

Working in conjunction with developers alongside their contractors, a member of our qualified Field Archaeology team will closely monitor invasive ground works (such foundation or utility trenching) to ensure any archaeology present is fully recorded. Where significant remains are encountered, a programme of archaeological mitigation will be required consisting of further investigation and recording.

The definition of an ‘archaeological watching brief’ (‘archaeological observation’) is a formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons.