UWLAS Archaeological Services

Plant macrofossil analysis

Sampling waterlogged peat deposits at Borth for plant macrofossil and pollen analysis, west Wales (photo: Sue Hurst). Plant macrofossil analysis is undertaken by Kate Griffiths (who is also employed part-time on Cadw grant-funded work, as Assistant Environmental Archaeologist with Ms Astrid Caseldine). She has 20 years’ experience of plant macrofossil work on samples from waterlogged deposits and on charred plant remains from dry land sites for Cadw and for a wide range of other clients.

Service provided

  • Sample preparation (flotation, sieving etc.)*
  • Sample assessment and reporting*
  • Charcoal identification
  • Wood identification
  • Preparation of samples for 14C dating

* These are also offered as ‘stand-alone’ services (i.e. we can prepare samples for clients to interpret and undertake assessment work on samples supplied by clients)

For further information/advice in relation to these services, please contact Kate Griffiths (tel: +44(0)1570 424845; e-mail: c.griffiths@trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk)

Top: Raphanus raphanistrum L. (wild radish) and various Apiaceae from waterlogged medieval deposit. Bottom: Charred Hordeum sativum (Hulled) (Barley) from Roman fort excavation (photo: Kate Griffiths).  Vitis vinifera L. (grape pips) from the Newport medieval ship (photo: Kate Griffiths).