Ghosts of the Anthropocene: spectral accretions at the Port Arthur historic site

Port Arthur Historic Site in Tasmania, Australia, is renowned for its colonial landscape and its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the country. However, beyond its supernatural associations, the site also harbors 'ghosts' in a broader sense—nonhuman elements that persistently interact with human history. This study reimagines Port Arthur by focusing on the enduring presence of 'arboreal-others,' such as trees and other nonhuman entities, to deepen our understanding of its past and envision its future within the Anthropocene. By shifting attention from deviant criminals to these spectral accretions, the research offers a novel perspective on heritage landscapes, highlighting their dynamic interplay with both human and nonhuman elements.

Waterton, E., & Saul, H. (2020). Ghosts of the Anthropocene: spectral accretions at the Port Arthur historic site. Landscape Research, 46(3), 362–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2020.1808957