Environmental Archaeology
Environmental archaeology is the study of our relationship with the environment throughout history, using techniques from biology and geology. Historic England have produced technical guidance covering a range of topics in environmental archaeology. This page provides an introduction to these documents.
You can contact our Science Advisors for direct advice or contact our Environmental Archaeologists for advice on specific subject areas.
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Environmental ArchaeologyPublished 1 August 2011A Guide to the Theory and Practice of Methods, from Sampling and Recovery to Post-excavation (second edition)
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Mineralised Plant and Invertebrate RemainsPublished 6 March 2020
A guide to the identification of calcium-phosphate replaced mineralised biological remains that are of archaeological significance.
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Animal Bones and Archaeology - Recovery to archivePublished 17 June 2019
Handbook on dealing with archaeological animal bones and teeth, from project planning through to post-excavation.
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GeoarchaeologyPublished 9 December 2015
Geoarchaeology is the application of earth science to the understanding of the archaeological record. The guidelines aim to promote the understanding of different techniques used by geoarchaeologists and advise on how they can help in understanding strati.
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Deposit Modelling and ArchaeologyPublished 31 January 2020
Guidance for mapping buried deposits to assist in identifying areas of greater and lesser archaeological potential.
Guidelines for the Curation of Waterlogged Macroscopic Plant and Invertebrate Remains
This guidance document provides information on the curation (ie treatment, handling and storage) of small (up to c 50mm) organic remains, primarily specimens or parts of plants and insects, recovered during excavation, sampling or analysis of waterlogged or anoxic archaeological deposits.
It is currently being revised to take account of recent research on the survival of DNA in such biological remains and how best to promote the survival of DNA and enhance the prospects for future research in existing collections and in newly recovered material.
Please email Gill Campbell for further information and advice. Gill can also provide a copy of the 1st edition of the guidance on request.
