Introducing Petra Vergunst - field archaeologist specialised in lichens and bryophytes

Petra is a field ecologist specialising in lichens and bryophytes Petra surveys lichens at archaeological places including hillforts, stone circles, drystone walls and churchyards. Her work examines not only which species are present, but how lichens interact with stone, monuments and the wider environment.

In her interview, Petra shares how her interest in nature developed from childhood walks and practical conservation work into a career studying the relationship between lichens, geology, ecology and archaeology. For the 2026 Festival of Archaeology Petra told us about her work.