Watching Briefs

What is a Watching Brief?
An archaeological watching brief is a programme of observation and investigation to record archaeological remains (where present)during ground works within a specified area. The archaeological monitor should use all the appropriate methods and practices, which should comply with the IFA regulations and guidance. A watching brief should be maintained whenever there is a possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. Any programme of archaeological work will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive.

Archaeology South-East conducts watching briefs as a response to a development which threatens an archaeological resource. This is organised as part of the planning process and/or development plan policy. Watching Briefs can also arise as part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or outside the planning process (e.g. coastal erosion, countryside management etc).

Planning Framework
The preservation of archaeological remains is a material consideration in the planning process (PPG 15 & PPG 16). Under this guidance a watching brief will normally be attached as a condition of planning consent or form part of a scheme of investigation. Watching briefs should only be undertaken when a written scheme of investigation or project design is in place.

A brief/project outline is usually prepared by the planning archaeologist or curator. This document should outline the scope of the works that will be required, and form the basis of the project design (usually prepared by the archaeological contractor), which is the tool against which standards can be measured.

Fieldwork
Only suitably qualified and experienced archaeologists should direct a watching brief. Before work on site commences the archaeologist should be fully briefed and understand the aims and methodologies of the project.

Monitoring (by the archaeological contractor) usually takes place whilst ground works are in progress. All machine excavation should be carried out using a ditching or toothless bucket wherever possible. This ensures that should any archaeological deposits be exposed, potential damage to them is limited.

Once archaeological deposits/or features have been exposed, the on site archaeologist should be given reasonable time to fully excavate and record the archaeology as necessary. This may involve using contingency measures, such as extra staff. All features and finds are recorded to the accepted professional standards.

The county monitors should be informed of the progress of a watching brief and site visits should be organised to allow proper inspection of standards of work.

Reporting
Once fieldwork has been completed a report of the work needs to be prepared. An archaeological watching brief report should include as a minimum

1. An abstract summarising the scope and results of the work.

2. An introduction. Including location of the site and a description of the planning condition and development proposals.

3. Archaeological Background. This should include a summary of the known Sites and Monuments Record entries.

4. Methodology. This should include methods employed during investigation.

5. Results. This should include detailed description of all archaeological features and finds encountered

6. Finds. Should be described and quantified and assessed by artefact type

7. Interpretation. This should be a synthesis of the stratigraphy, finds and environmental data.

If the results of a watching brief prove interesting it may be appropriate to submit these results to a relevant journal for publication.