Trees form a living record of seasons and time, often stretching beyond generational memory. Individual trees can be hundreds of years old, and by cross referencing their individual tree ring patterns we can reach back even further. This is the science of dendrochronology.

Join dendrochronologists Danny and Donald in learning about the history and science of tree ring dating, with supporting activities that explain the principles of dendrochronology – from measuring a single core sample to building a timeline in the classroom. This resource will be of interest to teachers, archaeological educators and youth group leaders – and to anyone with an interest in the presentation and interpretation of archaeological science. The resource was developed in partnership with Dendrochronicle, Archaeology Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland.

Dendrochronology booklet (PDF)