After taking the Natural Sciences Tripos (Honours Botany) I undertook research on the history, ecology and palaeoecology of the small leaved lime tree in the Lake District. This was followed by 6 years working on the National Vegetation Classification based back in Cambridge. Upon moving to Durham I spent the next 40+ years researching plant remains from archaeological excavations focussing on Northern Britain and especially around Hadrian’s Wall, much of which has been published. For the last 20 years this work morphed into a broader advisory role dealing with queries about all aspects of archaeological science especially in relation to planning led interventions, although research and some lecturing continued.

I was delighted, and honoured, to be invited to become a Trustee and continue to investigate plant remains from ongoing excavations at Vindolanda. The latter is assisted by also being an Honorary Research Fellow in the Archaeology Department at the University of Durham.