Watching Briefs

A watching brief being carried out during the installation of some services on Holy Island
A watching brief being carried out during the removal of topsoil on a site

"A formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons." (Institute of Field Archaeologists Standards and Guidance).

Both watching briefs and archaeological evaluations are undertaken as a part of the planning process, and as a condition imposed when a site is deemed to warrant archaeological investigation prior to development.

A watching brief involves the presence of an archaeologist who watches and records any archaeology that is exposed during the groundworks. Watching Briefs are undertaken usually as a condition imposed with the granting of planning permission when a site is deemed to warrant a planning condition to record any archaeological remains that are encountered as topsoil stripping progresses.

< Back to services

Archaeological Services

Specialist Services