We are living in worrying times. Habitat destruction and biodiversity loss present a huge threat to the species, places and landscapes we love. In the face of this global challenge, it is easy to feel helpless or sidelined-as an archaeologist, I have regularly wondered how, and if, I can make a positive contribution to the biodiversity loss we are seeing all around us.
This may seem a huge challenge, but in this talk I want to deliver a message of hope, founded on the belief that archaeology has a set of ‘superpowers’ that can uniquely contribute to nature recovery. Taking inspiration from a range of Oxford Archaeology’s current work related to nature recovery, I will outline three ways that archaeology can play its part. Firstly, I will discuss how our detailed understanding of environments in the past can play a potential role in shaping current and future habitats. Secondly, I will explore the wide range of species and habitats that historic and archaeological sites can support, and the opportunities there are to enhance these sites for nature recovery. Finally, I will think about how we write about humans, animals, plants and environments in the past, and how these narratives can inspire people today to think differently about the world around them.
Archaeology and nature recovery
Archaeology and nature recovery
Archaeology and nature recovery
Speaker
