Watching Briefs
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"A formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons." (Institute of Field Archaeologists Standards and Guidance).
Both watching briefs and archaeological evaluations are undertaken as a part of the planning process, and as a condition imposed when a site is deemed to warrant archaeological investigation prior to development.
A watching brief involves the presence of an archaeologist who watches and records any archaeology that is exposed during the groundworks. Watching Briefs are undertaken usually as a condition imposed with the granting of planning permission when a site is deemed to warrant a planning condition to record any archaeological remains that are encountered as topsoil stripping progresses.