Watching briefs
The aim of our project team approach and our focus on good forward planning is to allow archaeological recording to be completed, wherever possible, well in advance of construction work, through services such as desk-based assessment, site evaluation, excavation and preservation measures.
However, in some circumstances, the site may require a 'watching brief' during construction work. This strategy is normally used when prior assessment has indicated only a low probability of significant remains, or where investigation has already taken place on part of the site and a follow-up operation is required for the remaining areas.
Focusing on client needs, we target archaeological recording on key tasks in the contractor's programme, in order to minimise delay.
Good communications are essential particularly between the attending archaeologist and the contractor's site manager, since works programmes are likely to change from day to day and issues must be dealt with as they arise.
Our supervisors have highly developed communication skills and are well used to working under these conditions, and all staff have experience of safety issues on development sites.
In addition, support is always on hand from our full team of 180 archaeologists and other specialists, so that any unexpected discoveries during construction can be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
More information
For further information contact, Nick Bateman, Sophie Jackson, or Chris Thomas, on 020 7410 2200.
Read our excavation capability statement and our desk-based assessment and field evaluation capability statement