Watching Briefs
An Archaeological Watching Brief is a commonly required form of archaeological mitigation during development where groundworks may affect buried archaeological remains. KAS Archaeological Services provides professional watching brief services that enable development to proceed while ensuring that any archaeological evidence revealed during construction is properly observed, recorded, and preserved by record where necessary.
A watching brief involves the continuous or intermittent monitoring of groundworks by a qualified archaeologist during activities such as foundation digging, service trenching, or site levelling. The archaeologist observes the exposed ground surfaces and records any archaeological features, deposits, or artefacts that may appear. Where remains are identified, they are carefully documented through measured drawings, photographs, and written records, ensuring that important evidence is preserved even when it cannot remain in situ.
Within the UK planning process, a watching brief is typically required by the Local Planning Authority following advice from the county or regional archaeological advisor. It is usually secured as a planning condition when a Desk-Based Assessment or earlier evaluation indicates that archaeological remains may be present but that full excavation is not necessary in advance of development. The watching brief therefore allows construction to proceed while ensuring that archaeological interests are responsibly managed.
KAS Archaeological Services works closely with developers, contractors, and planning authorities to deliver watching briefs efficiently and with minimal disruption to construction schedules. Our archaeologists provide clear communication on site, maintain professional standards in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), and produce concise illustrated reports suitable for submission to planning authorities and the Historic Environment Record. This approach ensures that archaeological heritage is appropriately recorded while supporting the smooth progress of development projects.