Waterlogged Wood

Waterlogged wood is a rare and valuable archaeological resource, offering unique insights into past environments and human activity. This updated guidance document explains what waterlogged wood is and why it is important. It outlines the methods and approaches required to investigate waterlogged wood and to make decisions about how it should be managed. Specific recommendations are provided on the excavation, recording, sampling, selection, storage, assessment, analysis, conservation and curation of waterlogged wood. An appendix contains example wood recording sheets, suitable for use in urban and rural contexts.

The guidance is not intended to replace advice from waterlogged wood specialists, which must be sought by those excavating sites containing waterlogged wood. It describes the situations within an archaeological project where a waterlogged wood specialist would need to be involved, and highlights the type of work that should be undertaken at each stage. The information in this guidance will help ensure that those dealing with waterlogged wood sites are fully prepared for what they might encounter and have the appropriate budget, specialists and experience in place.