Archaeology Research

Congratulations to Hannah Boyd, who graduated in 2024, and has won the dissertation prize of the Society for Post-Medieval Archaeology for her dissertation on 'the archaeology of trees'.

Hannah told SPMA that: ‘This dissertation discusses trees and their potential for study as living archaeology within Scotland. Using concepts of ‘abori-culture’ or the understanding that there should be no binary distinction between nature and culture, this study argues that trees are integral components of place and landscape and present a lively monumentality that is inherently archaeological. Through the exploration of two in depth case studies as well as various aspects of tree archaeology across Scotland, this approach seeks to understand the ways that trees have the ability to co-constitute and create place. 

‘Overall, this research argues for the greater consideration of trees as monuments in their own right whilst seeking to understand the unique aspects, opportunities and challenges that accompany an archaeology of trees, suggesting a standardised methodology for their incorporation into the archaeological record.’

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First published: 3 July 2025