Watching briefs
Monitoring of groundworks for small developments, extensions, service trenches, drainage works and landscaping where archaeological observation is required by planning condition.
Kent & neighbouring counties
Practical archaeological support for planning, development and construction.
Kent Archaeology helps homeowners, landowners, architects and developers meet archaeological planning conditions with clear advice, efficient fieldwork and reliable reporting. From a small watching brief for a house extension to full-scale excavation on a major development site, we provide a professional service designed to keep your project moving.
About us
Archaeology that is proportionate, responsive and commercially aware.
We understand that archaeological requirements can feel unexpected, especially for smaller private projects. Our aim is to make the process clear and manageable, while maintaining the standards required by local planning authorities and archaeological advisors. For larger schemes, we can support staged programmes of work, from initial advice and field evaluation through to mitigation, reporting and discharge of conditions.
Services
Archaeological services for projects of every scale
Trial trench evaluation
Targeted trenching to establish the presence, character and significance of archaeological remains before construction or mitigation works begin.
Excavation & mitigation
Full archaeological excavation and recording for development sites where significant remains require investigation prior to construction.
Planning condition support
Help interpreting archaeological conditions, preparing written schemes of investigation and liaising with consultants, contractors and local authority advisors.
Post-excavation reporting
Clear, timely reports, context summaries, finds coordination and archive preparation to support the formal completion and discharge of archaeological requirements.
Developer support
Flexible field teams, phased programmes and practical communication with site managers to integrate archaeology with live construction schedules.
For private clients
Small project? We keep it straightforward.
If your extension, new dwelling, garage, utilities or landscaping works require an archaeological watching brief, we will explain the process in plain English and help you satisfy the condition efficiently.
- Simple quote and clear scope
- Attendance arranged around your contractor
- Professional report for the planning authority
For developers
Large site? We help you manage risk and programme.
For residential, commercial and infrastructure schemes, we provide practical archaeological fieldwork and reporting that supports planning compliance without losing sight of construction deadlines.
- Evaluation, mitigation and excavation strategies
- Coordination with site managers and consultants
- Scalable support for phased developments
About us
Kent Archaeology is an independent archaeological contractor operating primarily across Kent and neighbouring counties.
We work with homeowners, private clients, local builders, planning consultants and major developers. Our core team have decades of experience in British archaeology and on some of the most challenging large-scale excavation and infrastructure projects in the country. This combination of field expertise and practical project management allows us to deliver reliable archaeological solutions regardless of project size. We understand that archaeology is often part of a wider construction programme. Our approach focuses on clear communication, realistic timescales and minimising delays while maintaining the highest professional standards.
Coverage
Working across Kent and surrounding counties
Kent Archaeology works primarily across Kent, including Ashford, Canterbury, Maidstone, Dover, Folkestone, Thanet, Medway and the wider county. We also support projects in neighbouring counties where appropriate, including East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey, Greater London and Essex.
Contact
Tell us about your project
For the quickest response, include the site address, planning reference, current project stage and any wording from the archaeological planning condition.
Email: office@kent-archaeology.co.uk
Call us: 0777 77 123 67