Wetland Archaeology: past, present and future

In this chapter, we outline the importance of wetland environments for preserving archaeological sites, finds and deposits, especially organic material that rarely survives on dryland (terrestrial) contexts. We briefly review the development of “wetland archaeology” as a sub-discipline and consider the processes that result in the waterlogged, anoxic conditions suitable for the long-term survival (millennia timescales) of such remains. A case study draws on examples from peatlands in northwest Europe, describing the range and character of tangible cultural heritage discovered over centuries of drainage and peat extraction. There is an intrinsic relationship between investigation and excavation of archaeology, and damage and destruction of wetland environments, via drainage, reclamation, urban expansion and related processes. We consider the synergies and conflicts between policies and approaches to wetland rehabilitation and restoration, and the associated protection and management of the archaeological resource. Despite the existence of policies intended to protect and conserve, without appropriate recognition and attention, wetland archaeology can be negatively impacted by interventions and policies intended to rehabilitate and restore wetland environments. Finally, we conclude that cultural heritage represents an under-appreciated and at times woefully ignored, intersection between the “natural” and “cultural” valuation and perception of wetlands, which work needs to better highlight and integrate into future policy directions and decisions.