During the course of a development it may be necessary for an archaeologist to be present in order to monitor any ground works so that any sub-surface archaeological finds, features or deposits may be identified. The monitoring of ground works may include the supervision of the following: topsoil removal, preparation of building foundations, piling, digging of service trenches etc. We undertake monitoring for small, medium and large-scale projects.

A general monitoring requirement or watching brief is normally given as condition of a Grant of Planning and is therefore undertaken during the early stages of a development i.e. at the ground works stage. Archaeological Monitoring is a requirement where the potential of uncovering archaeological features or deposits is small, perhaps due to the minor nature of the works or increased distance from a known archaeological monument. Monitoring is therefore a requirement where there is some probability for the recovery of archaeological material.

Monitoring of Works to Upstanding Buildings

It may also be necessary for an archaeologist to be present during conservation or refurbishment works of an historic building or upstanding archaeological monument. This is in order to ensure that an agreed Scope of Works is formulated and adhered to by all concerned parties and also to allow the archaeologist to record and preserve any features that may be uncovered during the course of the works.