Plant remains and the environmental and economic context of the Ness of Brodgar 

Project summary

This project will investigate charred plant remains recovered from the Ness of Brodgar, a major Neolithic ceremonial and settlement complex within the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Although excavation has revealed more than 100 monumental buildings and extensive evidence of Neolithic activity, the plant remains recovered through flotation sampling remain largely unexplored. Specialist assessment and sorting of these assemblages will identify preserved botanical material, determine their analytical potential and establish which samples can provide new insights into past landscapes, agriculture, food use, fuel selection and everyday practices. This work will provide essential foundations for understanding how the Ness functioned within its wider environmental setting during the Neolithic period.

The project will generate new evidence for the relationship between people, plants and landscapes in prehistoric Orkney, supporting future research and publication while strengthening interpretation of this internationally significant site. The findings will also contribute to the Ness of Brodgar’s long-standing commitment to inclusive public engagement through digital resources, educational materials, blogs and accessible publications. By revealing hidden evidence within archaeological deposits, the project will help communicate how scientific analysis can transform understanding of one of Britain’s most important prehistoric landscapes.