We carry out watching briefs as a strategy for mitigation on sites with low archaeological potential. A watching brief may be deemed the appropriate approach under a planning condition where previous archaeological evaluation or desk-based assessment indicates full-scale excavation is not warranted.
Our watching brief supervisors are experienced commercial archaeologists, skilled in monitoring construction work and recording archaeological and built heritage evidence rapidly, using appropriate techniques.
During a watching brief we monitor groundworks by the construction team, without interrupting their progress. Our experienced supervisors work closely with groundwork contractors to ensure that site progress is maintained. We make rapid yet informed decisions about archaeology exposed during construction work and, where appropriate, employ a rapid recording process to capture data efficiently.
The Project Managers at MOLA successfully deliver on some of the most challenging archaeological and built heritage projects across the UK. Experts in complex urban sites, large open-area rural sites and above-ground built heritage, our Project Managers understand the pressures of construction and adeptly manage programmes to meet time and budget constraints.
The Site Managers at MOLA have extensive experience of excavation on construction sites and direct our onsite archaeological investigations. They work closely with our clients and other onsite contractors to ensure our archaeological work fits into the overall work programme and, where necessary, problem-solve as issues arise.
