Archaeological Investigations

Fieldwork & Planning Support Across UK & Ireland

View All Archaeology & Heritage Services

Archaeological Investigations in a Modern World

At Arthian, we deliver tailored archaeological investigations that support planning compliance, satisfy legal conditions and protect the historic environment. Working across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, our fieldwork services help clients meet archaeological requirements efficiently and proportionately, without compromising quality or timelines.

Our team liaises directly with local authorities, contractors and sub-consultants to secure practical, cost-effective solutions that align with planning conditions. We advise on methods, budgets and delivery schedules, ensuring each investigation is scoped realistically and competitively.

We prepare Archaeology Written Schemes of Investigation (WSIs) based on agreed project terms for submission to the planning authority and manage delivery from supervision to archiving.

Field Investigation Methods

We offer a full suite of archaeological fieldwork techniques, adapted to project scale, site sensitivity and planning requirements.

During works, our consultants supervise field teams and attend monitoring visits from planning authorities. On completion, we provide planning-compliant reporting for discharge of conditions or legal consents, and arrange for archiving of project material in accordance with national standards.

Our Archaeological Capabilities

Our capabilities include:

Preliminary Site Investigation Monitoring

Watching briefs

Archaeological evaluation (e.g. trial trenching)

Strip, map and sample excavation

Full Excavation

Physical preservation in situ

Archaeo-environmental sampling and analysis

Preliminary Site Investigation Monitoring

We provide early-stage archaeological monitoring to identify heritage constraints and inform planning decisions before groundworks begin, helping developers manage risk and engage proactively with authorities. Our approach includes:

Early-stage site walkovers and desk-based reviews: Identifying known heritage assets and assessing potential for undiscovered archaeology.
Monitoring of geotechnical and ground investigation works: Observing trial pits, boreholes, and other early groundworks to detect archaeological features.
Targeted field surveys: Using non-intrusive techniques such as geophysical surveys to assess subsurface potential.
Stakeholder coordination: Liaising with local planning authorities, Historic Environment Records, and archaeological advisors to align investigations with planning requirements.
Risk-based reporting: Providing clear, concise outputs to support planning applications and inform mitigation strategies.

Watching briefs

Our archaeologists conduct watching briefs during construction to identify and record unexpected finds, ensuring heritage assets are protected and planning conditions are met. Our service includes:

On-site archaeological monitoring: Attending groundworks to observe and assess any archaeological features revealed during excavation.
Real-time recording and interpretation: Documenting finds and features using industry-standard methods and formats.
Rapid response to discoveries: Advising on appropriate action if significant remains are uncovered, including temporary work stoppages or mitigation.
Liaison with planning authorities and heritage bodies: Ensuring transparent communication and alignment with regulatory requirements.
Final reporting and archiving: Producing clear records for submission to local Historic Environment Records and planning authorities.

Archaeological evaluation (e.g. trial trenching)

We conduct trial trenching to assess archaeological deposits, supporting informed planning and mitigation by revealing below-ground heritage assets and regulatory considerations. Our service includes:

Targeted trenching across the site: Excavating sample areas to assess archaeological potential based on desk-based and geophysical findings.
Evaluation of deposit significance: Identifying and interpreting features, artefacts, and stratigraphy to determine heritage value.
Support for mitigation planning: Informing decisions on preservation in situ, excavation, or redesign to avoid sensitive areas.
Compliance with planning conditions: Aligning investigations with local authority and national heritage guidance.
Clear reporting and recommendations: Delivering concise, evidence-based outputs to support planning submissions and heritage management.

Strip, map and sample excavation

This method systematically exposes and records archaeological features across large areas, offering detailed insights while balancing preservation with development needs—especially effective for complex or extensive sites. Our service includes:

Controlled topsoil removal: Stripping large areas to reveal archaeological features with minimal disturbance.
Systematic mapping and recording: Documenting exposed features using industry-standard techniques, including plans, sections, and digital photography.
Targeted sampling and excavation: Investigating selected features to assess their character, date, and significance.
Integration with development timelines: Coordinating excavation works to minimise delays and support construction schedules.
Reporting and archiving: Producing comprehensive records for submission to planning authorities and Historic Environment Records.

Full Excavation

When preservation in situ isn’t possible, we carry out full excavations to recover and document archaeological remains before construction, ensuring compliance and responsible heritage stewardship. Our service includes:

Comprehensive site excavation: Systematically uncovering archaeological features across the development footprint.
Detailed recording and analysis: Documenting structures, artefacts, and stratigraphy using recognised archaeological standards.
Specialist sampling and conservation: Recovering materials for further analysis, including environmental, artefactual, and dating samples.
Coordination with development teams: Aligning excavation schedules with construction timelines to minimise disruption.
Final reporting and archiving: Producing thorough excavation reports for submission to planning authorities and Historic Environment Records.

Physical preservation in situ

We design and implement protective measures for significant archaeological features within development sites, enabling long-term preservation while allowing responsible progress in line with planning conditions. Our service includes:

Assessment of preservation potential: Evaluating site conditions and archaeological significance to determine suitability for in situ protection.
Design of protective measures: Recommending solutions such as buffer zones, ground stabilisation, or construction method adjustments.
Integration with site design: Working with planners and engineers to incorporate preservation strategies into development layouts.
Monitoring and verification: Overseeing implementation to ensure protective measures are effective and compliant.
Regulatory liaison: Coordinating with heritage bodies and planning authorities to secure approvals and demonstrate best practice.

Archaeo-environmental sampling and analysis

Our specialists analyse environmental samples to reconstruct past landscapes and human activity, enriching archaeological context and deepening understanding of how people interacted with their surroundings over time. Our service includes:

Collection of soil, pollen, and organic samples: Targeted sampling during excavation to recover environmental data.
Laboratory analysis and interpretation: Examining microfossils, sediments, and other materials to understand past ecological conditions.
Reconstruction of ancient landscapes: Identifying vegetation patterns, climate indicators, and land use practices.
Integration with archaeological findings: Linking environmental data with artefacts and features to support holistic site interpretation.
Reporting and archiving: Producing detailed analysis reports for inclusion in excavation documentation and heritage records.

Preliminary Site Investigation Monitoring

Early-stage site walkovers and desk-based reviews: Identifying known heritage assets and assessing potential for undiscovered archaeology.
Monitoring of geotechnical and ground investigation works: Observing trial pits, boreholes, and other early groundworks to detect archaeological features.
Targeted field surveys: Using non-intrusive techniques such as geophysical surveys to assess subsurface potential.
Stakeholder coordination: Liaising with local planning authorities, Historic Environment Records, and archaeological advisors to align investigations with planning requirements.
Risk-based reporting: Providing clear, concise outputs to support planning applications and inform mitigation strategies.

Watching briefs

Our archaeologists conduct watching briefs during construction to identify and record unexpected finds, ensuring heritage assets are protected and planning conditions are met. Our service includes:

On-site archaeological monitoring: Attending groundworks to observe and assess any archaeological features revealed during excavation.
Real-time recording and interpretation: Documenting finds and features using industry-standard methods and formats.
Rapid response to discoveries: Advising on appropriate action if significant remains are uncovered, including temporary work stoppages or mitigation.
Liaison with planning authorities and heritage bodies: Ensuring transparent communication and alignment with regulatory requirements.
Final reporting and archiving: Producing clear records for submission to local Historic Environment Records and planning authorities.

Archaeological evaluation (e.g. trial trenching)

Targeted trenching across the site: Excavating sample areas to assess archaeological potential based on desk-based and geophysical findings.
Evaluation of deposit significance: Identifying and interpreting features, artefacts, and stratigraphy to determine heritage value.
Support for mitigation planning: Informing decisions on preservation in situ, excavation, or redesign to avoid sensitive areas.
Compliance with planning conditions: Aligning investigations with local authority and national heritage guidance.
Clear reporting and recommendations: Delivering concise, evidence-based outputs to support planning submissions and heritage management.

Strip, map and sample excavation

Controlled topsoil removal: Stripping large areas to reveal archaeological features with minimal disturbance.
Systematic mapping and recording: Documenting exposed features using industry-standard techniques, including plans, sections, and digital photography.
Targeted sampling and excavation: Investigating selected features to assess their character, date, and significance.
Integration with development timelines: Coordinating excavation works to minimise delays and support construction schedules.
Reporting and archiving: Producing comprehensive records for submission to planning authorities and Historic Environment Records.

Full Excavation

Comprehensive site excavation: Systematically uncovering archaeological features across the development footprint.
Detailed recording and analysis: Documenting structures, artefacts, and stratigraphy using recognised archaeological standards.
Specialist sampling and conservation: Recovering materials for further analysis, including environmental, artefactual, and dating samples.
Coordination with development teams: Aligning excavation schedules with construction timelines to minimise disruption.
Final reporting and archiving: Producing thorough excavation reports for submission to planning authorities and Historic Environment Records.

Physical preservation in situ

Assessment of preservation potential: Evaluating site conditions and archaeological significance to determine suitability for in situ protection.
Design of protective measures: Recommending solutions such as buffer zones, ground stabilisation, or construction method adjustments.
Integration with site design: Working with planners and engineers to incorporate preservation strategies into development layouts.
Monitoring and verification: Overseeing implementation to ensure protective measures are effective and compliant.
Regulatory liaison: Coordinating with heritage bodies and planning authorities to secure approvals and demonstrate best practice.

Archaeo-environmental sampling and analysis

Collection of soil, pollen, and organic samples: Targeted sampling during excavation to recover environmental data.
Laboratory analysis and interpretation: Examining microfossils, sediments, and other materials to understand past ecological conditions.
Reconstruction of ancient landscapes: Identifying vegetation patterns, climate indicators, and land use practices.
Integration with archaeological findings: Linking environmental data with artefacts and features to support holistic site interpretation.
Reporting and archiving: Producing detailed analysis reports for inclusion in excavation documentation and heritage records.

Why Choose Arthian's Archaeological & Heritage team?

Engineering services delivered by specialists:

WSIs tailored to national and devolved planning frameworks

Cost-effective fieldwork solutions grounded in planning realities

Consistent supervision and quality control throughout investigations, and coverage across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Experience liaising with local authorities and contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI)?

A WSI is a formal method statement outlining how archaeological work will be conducted, submitted to the planning authority as part of fulfilling conditions or legal consent.

Do I need a watching brief or full excavation?

This depends on site potential, planning conditions, and risk factors. Our consultants help determine the most appropriate and proportionate method.

Can you help manage investigation costs?

Yes—our team negotiates fieldwork scope, timelines and methodology with stakeholders to ensure competitive pricing and avoid unnecessary delays.

What happens after fieldwork is complete?

We deliver reports for discharge of conditions and archive records to regional repositories. We also coordinate with local authorities for sign-off and planning release.

Get in Touch

We’d love to hear from you – whether you have a question, a project in mind, want to explore job opportunities, or just want to say hello.

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Archaeological Investigations

Archaeological Investigations in a Modern World

Field Investigation Methods

Our Archaeological Capabilities

Preliminary Site Investigation Monitoring

Watching briefs

Archaeological evaluation (e.g. trial trenching)

Strip, map and sample excavation

Full Excavation

Physical preservation in situ

Archaeo-environmental sampling and analysis

Preliminary Site Investigation Monitoring

Watching briefs

Archaeological evaluation (e.g. trial trenching)

Strip, map and sample excavation

Full Excavation

Physical preservation in situ

Archaeo-environmental sampling and analysis

Why Choose Arthian's Archaeological & Heritage team?

WSIs tailored to national and devolved planning frameworks

Cost-effective fieldwork solutions grounded in planning realities

Consistent supervision and quality control throughout investigations, and coverage across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland

Experience liaising with local authorities and contractors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI)?

Do I need a watching brief or full excavation?

Can you help manage investigation costs?

What happens after fieldwork is complete?

Get in Touch