Researchers
in environmental archaeology often analyse disparate datasets through time and
space to come up with 'the big picture'. For example, we may wish to track the
types of cereals being consumed at different locations, from small-scale
excavations at ephemeral campsites up to very large-scale excavations at enclosed
settlements. In order to allow robust
analyses, it is important that there is a standardised approach towards
environmental sampling, analysing and reporting. In Ireland, unfortunately, this
was not the case in recent years. Many different sampling, analysing and
reporting styles emerged over the past two decades. Unsurprisingly, this made ‘big-data’
analyses more challenging for researchers. Environmental archaeologists began
to recognise this problem over the last few years, and we decided to do
something about it. No point in complaining unless you’re willing to be part of
the solution!
Several
of us started work with archaeologists at the National Roads Authority* in
Ireland to develop guidelines on the retrieval, analysis and reporting of
palaeoenvironmental remains recovered during archaeological excavations on road
schemes. The NRA is the largest procurer of archaeological services in the
Republic of Ireland, which means that the guidelines would have a very big
impact on archaeological practice here. The guidelines have now been completed
and published (download them here.), and are being implemented on NRA
archaeology projects across Ireland. The guidelines enable a standardised
approach, ensuring that palaeoenvironmental work conforms to the best
professional standards, and is focused on achieving high-quality and
scientifically meaningful results.
The guidelines focus on certain categories of remains, including plant macro-remains, charcoal, wood, pollen and insects. The guidelines were written by Dr Meriel McClatchie, who is an expert in non-wood plant remains, and Dr Ellen O Carroll, who is an expert in charcoal, wood and pollen analysis. Contributions on insects were also provided by Dr Eileen Reilly, who is also an expert in this area.
The NRA
is now leading the way in Ireland in implementing best practice in
environmental archaeology. We are keen to promote best practice more widely in
Irish archaeology, so watch this space for further developments.
* Note that the NRA will soon be no more, because it is joining forces with the Railway Procurement Agency to form a new organisation, Transport Infrastructure Ireland. But the guidelines will still apply!
