Archaeological monitoring is undertaken at the initial ground stripping phase of sites where there is the possibility of archaeology being impacted by a development. An archaeologist observes the topsoil stripping or initial ground works, so that the site can be regarded as clear of archaeology. Archaeological monitoring may also be required in the planning process if the scope of the overall development is of sufficiently large size.

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, should any archaeology be encountered. These include protection of the archaeology in-situ if the development does not impact upon the archaeology. Should the development impact on any found archaeology, Gregory Archaeology engages with our clients on the most cost- and time-effective manner of managing the archaeological requirements and providing a route to development.

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.