Humans appear to have been feeding other animals for almost as long as we have been human. These practices are traceable in the archaeological record and continue into historical time, having significant impacts on humans, animals and the environment throughout. This project investigates the drivers and consequences of animal feeding (such as changes in diet, transmission of disease, alterations in social groupings, habits and governance) and the extent to which domestication is not merely continuing but accelerating, associated with the far-reaching consequences of the Anthropocene. The research takes a long view, tracing these processes in Britain from ancient to modern times, and an ‘engaged research’ approach, with stakeholders participating at all stages of the process to co-create the research questions and outcomes.
KEY PEOPLE
Prof Naomi Sykes, Dr Andrew Kitchener, Dr Angela Cassidy, Prof Garry Marvin, Dr Stuart Black, Dr Blessing Chidimuro, Dr David Cooper, Dr Ginny Thomas, Dr Giovanna Capponi, Dr Sean Dohert
PARTNERS
UUniversity of Exeter, National Museums Scotland, University of Roehampton, University of Reading, British Trust for Orithology (BTO), Historic England, National Trust, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, Fishbourne Roman Palace & Gardens, Museum of English Rural Life, Powell Cotton Museum, Wellcome Centre for the Cultures and Environments of Health, Exeter