About us

Old Tree Consulting is dedicated to making specialist analyses accessible to all Aboriginal corporations and heritage consultants. We specialise in the identification and analysis of archaeobotanical remains and other supporting applications. Our mission is to foster the detailed and ethical practice of Australian archaeology; we believe that a comprehensive examination of all artefact and ecofact types is essential to ensure an accurate and holistic understanding of the deep histories connecting People and Country.

Aboriginal culture is intrinsically intertwined with Country. Despite this profound connection, archaeobotanical investigations remain significantly underutilised in Australian archaeological research. This oversight is particularly notable given that archaeobotanical remains are frequently recovered yet often left unanalysed. We believe this is highly unethical and strive to assist in changing this standard.

While broad international palaeoenvironmental histories exist—such as those derived from deep-sea pollen cores—archaeobotanical analyses from Australian sites provide a crucial foundation for understanding local climatic histories and microclimatic variations. Understanding local histories facilitates a richer interpretation of people-plant relationships over time, revealing complex environmental adaptations deeply intertwined with the availability and management of plant resources. Old Tree is proud to be among the few small companies in Australia offering this level of specialist analysis, supported by unparalleled experience and comprehensive reference collections.

We are passionate about supporting other specialist applications and have casual partners work with. These include zooarchaeology, residue analyses and tourism and heritage advice. Please contact us for more information.

Chae Byrne -Archaeobotanist

My name is Chae (Shay). I grew up in Wadja boodja, where I live with my family and I am a settler-descendant of many European backgrounds. I studied archaeology at UWA, compleating an Honours (2012) and PhD in archaeobotany in 2022. My specalisation is anthracology, or wood charcoal analysis.

I have been blessed enough to work with Knowledge Holders from across the Pilbara, Western Desert, Midwest and right to the bottom Southwest. I am so thankful for friends and colleagues who have generously taught me so much about plants, culture and Country (and thanks to these amazing teachers, I now have some deadly language to-boot)!

After years of working in research projects and the odd consulting application, it became evident there is a great need to provide an opportunity for specialist research-level analysis to heritage compliance works. As such, I established Old Tree in 2024 to ensure archaeobotanical analysis is accessible directly to Aboriginal corporations, consulting and heritage engagements.

India Dilkes-Hall - Archaeobotanist

I am settler-descendant of Irish convict and English immigrants. I was born in east Walyalup on unceded Whadjuk Nyoongar boodjar and I grew up and continue to live and work on these lands. I studied with Chae at UWA, where I received my Honours (2014) and PhD (2020) in archaeology/archaeobotany.

I have participated in and directed archaeological excavations throughout Australia (with specific reference to the Kimberley region) and across Island South East Asia, including the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and, East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. My research spans First Nations Australian and Island South East Asian archaeology and archaeobotany, diet and subsistence, medicinal and toxic plant use, human evolution and migration across the Indo Pacific, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and ethnobotany.

My specalisation is in the analysis of carpological remains—bush tukka plants including fruits, seeds, and other floristic elements—to illuminate people-plant relationships in the past. This is best done working closely with Traditional Owners through co designed ethnoarchaeological experiments to assist in identifying archaeobotanical signatures in the archaeological record. My passion is the cultural heritage of First Nations Australians. After many years in academia and associated institutions, I have come to believe there is a better way to do this work—one that is grounded in genuine collaboration, where research is led by and for community, and where the needs of Country and culture take precedence.