Archaeological Watching Brief
An archaeological watching brief is a programme of observation and investigation conducted by an archaeologist/s during activities that have the potential to impact on archaeological remains, such as during excavations for building foundations or alterations to historic buildings. Usually, the archaeologist records the archaeological remains observed during a watching brief (through their excavation in the case of below ground remains) before their subsequent destruction. More rarely their preservation in-situ can be secured by redesign of the activity that necessitated the archaeological involvement.
Watching briefs are designed to be implemented on small-scale archaeological interventions - where either the development has only a minor impact on an overall area, or where the archaeological potential of a site has been proven to be low through previous evaluation work. Watching briefs are not appropriate on large-scale development projects or in areas where it is known that archaeological remains exist either in significant concentrations, or are of a noteworthy or important character. There are also certain types of landforms, such as alluvial landscapes, where watching briefs are not a sufficiently rigorous investigative technique.
For more information contact the Heritage Conservation Team:
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