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

Subject to site constraints, and the nature of the groundworks being undertaken, it would normally be expected that groundworks would be undertaken using an appropriate machine fitted with a toothless bucket and working under archaeological supervision

Watching briefs / small-scale investigations require that the archaeologist(s) are present on site during works in the following circumstances: comprehensive/detailed (present during all works which may affect archaeological remains); intensive (present during specified sensitive works); intermittent (viewing immediately after each specified phase of works). The level of attendance by the archaeologist should be ‘as appropriate’.

The most common form of watching brief / small-scale investigation is comprehensive, for example the erection of a house or extension within the historic core of a village or town. An intensive watching brief / small-scale investigation may be appropriate where a specific area of a pipeline has been identified as of interest. For developments which are likely to involve small scale works over a drawn out period an intermittent watching brief / small-scale investigation may be appropriate (for example this approach may be appropriate to monitor underpinning work). It is expected that developer and archaeological contractor will establish a clear mutual understanding of the nature of the groundworks and the potential archaeological interest in them to achieve ‘best value’ in the targeting of required works.

During each phase of fieldwork the presence/absence of archaeological features should be noted. If features are identified then sufficient work should be done to date, characterise and record the remains in accordance with the project objectives.

If an "unexpected discovery" is made then the Council Archaeology Service and the developer should be informed as soon as possible. Initially consideration should be given to preservation in-situ but if this is not practical then such discoveries may give rise to a full-scale excavation funded from a contingency fund, detailed in the WSI

Recording standards should be the same as for formal excavations but the particular practical difficulties and constraints of watching brief recording are acknowledged. Features should be recorded in plan at an appropriate scale and accurately located in relation to the National Grid. Each context should be recorded on pro-forma records which should include the following minimum details: character; contextual relationships; detailed description (dimensions and shape; soil components, colour, texture and consistency); associated finds; interpretation and phasing as well as cross-references to the drawn, photographic and finds registers. Normally each context should be recorded on an individual record. Sections should be drawn through all significant cut features and levelled to ordnance datum.

A digital photographic record should be maintained including photos of all significant features and overall photos of each watching brief area. Selected black and white and colour transparencies should also be taken.

All stratified finds should be collected by context or, where appropriate, individually recorded in 3 dimensions. Unstratified finds should only be collected where they contribute significantly to the project objectives or are of particular intrinsic interest. Finds of "treasure" must be reported to the Coroner in accordance with the Treasure Act procedures.

Collection policies for structural remains and industrial residues have been set out by the Society of Museum Archaeologists (SMA, 1993). The presence of such materials within a context should always be recorded and, where they are considered to be of importance, the recording should aim to quantify their occurrence, even where comprehensive retention is not considered appropriate.

Provision should be made within the contingency for: conservation (lifting and treatment) of fragile objects and the collection and analysis of environmental and scientific (including dating) samples. Sampling is to be carried out in accordance with a strategy which is related to the project objectives and has been agreed with English Heritage's Regional Adviser in Archaeological Science. If fragile items of particular significance are discovered, a conservation management plan will be produced by the contractor at the earliest opportunity in consultation with the curator, museum team and any external specialists. Regular updates on the preservation of the item will be given to the Council Archaeology Service.

In the event of discovery of any human remains the archaeological contractor should inform the client, the Council Archaeology Service, and the Ministry of Justice via the submission of an application form for the ‘Archaeological/Accidental/Site Investigation Licence regarding the disturbance of human remains’. The Human remains should be left in-situ, covered and protected. Where a licence for their excavation is issued by the Ministry of Justice, the requirements of that licence must be followed. The only exception is where excavations are being undertaken in a churchyard under a faculty issued by the Chancellor of Oxford Diocese (in such cases the faculty requirements should be followed). In certain situations special arrangements may be required for the recovery of samples for DNA analysis. Human remains should be treated in accordance with CIfA guidelines (CIfA, 2004) and the advice set out in Guidance for best practice for treatment of human remains excavated from Christian burial grounds in England (English Heritage, 2005).

In some instances it may be appropriate to arrange for stripped surfaces to be subject to a metal detecting scan, such arrangements should be set out in the Project Design (Written Scheme of Investigation).

Whenever private individuals or subcontractors are engaged to undertake metal detecting as part of an archaeological fieldwork project they should be asked to sign a formal agreement in which the right to claim Treasure is waived. Please refer to the third revision of the Treasure Act Code of Practice (2023, Section D, paragraphs 13-16). A suggested clause is:-

“In the process of working on the archaeological/ excavation at [location of site] between the dates of [insert dates], [name of person contributing to the project] has been working under the direction or permission of [name of archaeological organisation or responsible individual archaeologist] and hereby waives all rights to rewards for objects discovered that could be otherwise payable under the Treasure Act 1996.”

Contracts should ensure that investigations are covered by a written agreement with the owner & occupier regarding rewards which may be payable.

Contingency arrangements must be specified in the project design and should take account of the nature of possible "unexpected discoveries" and the likely impact of the development upon them.

Arrangements should include the demarcation of the area for excavation, the period of temporary cessation of development works within this area and the resources (expressed in person-days, specialist input etc.) available to undertake the excavation.