Archaeological Services FAQs
Archaeological work does not necessarily mean that remains are expected to be found. In many cases, our role is simply to monitor or assess work as required by the planning authority and to record anything archaeological if it is encountered.
Our aim is to fulfill the archaeological requirements of the development while allowing the project to proceed with as little unnecessary disruption as possible.
What is an archaeological watching brief/monitoring?
A watching brief/monitoring involves an archaeologist being present while specified construction or groundworks take place.
The archaeologist observes the exposed ground and records any archaeological deposits, structures or finds encountered during the work.
This is commonly required during activities such as foundation excavation, service trenches, drainage works and ground reduction.
What is an archaeological evaluation?
An archaeological evaluation is used to determine whether archaeological remains are present on a site and, if so, their character, extent, condition and significance.
This often involves excavating a number of trial trenches across the proposed development area before the main construction work begins.
What is archaeological excavation?
An excavation is generally required where significant archaeological remains are known or discovered and need to be investigated and recorded before they are affected by development.
Unlike a watching brief, excavation normally takes place as a dedicated archaeological operation before construction continues in the affected area.
What is a Desk-Based Assessment?
A Desk-Based Assessment, often abbreviated to DBA, examines existing information about a site and its surrounding area.
This may include historic maps, archaeological records, previous investigations, aerial photographs, historic documents and other available sources.
The assessment considers the archaeological potential of the site and the possible impact of the proposed development.
What is a historic building survey?
A historic building survey creates a record of a building before it is altered, converted or demolished.
Depending on the level of survey required, this may include photographs, measured drawings, written descriptions and analysis of the building's development and construction.