Environmental archaeology

Environmental Archaeology is the archaeological study of the remains of plants and animals together with associated soils and sediments.

Oxford Archaeology employs a range of highly trained and fully qualified specialists providing expert analysis of plant macrofossils (including charcoal and wood), pollen, animal bones and molluscs. We also liaise with a number of fully qualified external researchers for the analysis and interpretation of less common palaeoenvironmental indicators such as insects, ostracods, foraminifera and diatoms.

Our staff have many years of experience in environmental archaeology and osteoarchaeology, working in both the private and the public sectors. We are committed to providing a fully professional service and can respond to clients quickly and effectively.

We have purpose built facilities dedicated to the processing and correct storage of soil samples and  can advise on sampling and interpreting archaeological deposits. We are also able to conduct on-site processing to allow rapid feedback during excavation as part of an iterative and integrated excavation strategy.

Our experienced staff are available to give on or off-site advice and for lectures and workshops on any aspect of our  work. Most of the team are members of the Association for Environmental Archaeology and/or the International Council for Archaeozoologists.

Selected projects

Terminal 5 Heathrow and Stansted Airport expansion; Stanford Wharf Nature Reserve, London Gateway, Essex; French Quarter, Southampton; Winchester Cultural Centre, Hants

For more information contact Rebecca Nicholson at our Oxford office.