Generic brief for an archaeological watching brief or small-scale investigation

Last updated: 1 July 2023

2. Definition

The definition of an Archaeological Watching Brief is

"a formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons. This will be within a specified area or site on land ….or underwater, where there is a possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive." (CIfA, 2014)