Archaeological monitoring is undertaken at the initial ground stripping phase of sites where the archaeological potential is considered relatively low, but where there remains the possibility of archaeological discovery. This may also be required in the planning process if the scope of the overall development is of sufficiently large size. It is undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist who is present during the groundwork.

The archaeologist does not interfere with groundwork unless archaeology is encountered. The developer is then required to accommodate the archaeologist in his/her recording and assessment of the archaeology. The archaeologist discusses with the developer the most appropriate form of a range of alternative mitigation strategies. These include protection of the archaeology in-situ and excavation of it to enable the development to proceed in the most cost- and time-effective manner.

Gregory Archaeology regularly undertakes monitoring in a variety of construction projects including residential, infrastructural, industrial, power and energy developments. This is a particularly cost-effective mitigation strategy for areas of lower archaeological potential.