Previous Winners

Roots In Time was an excellent example of the role archaeology can play in environmental issues and opportunities for linking archaeology to arts funding.

Uncovering Roman Carlisle (URC) is an ongoing programme of community archaeological investigations, engagement, and exhibitions, exploring the internationally significant Carlisle Roman Bathhouse on Hadrian’s Wall: World Heritage Site. 

​URC seeks to enhance participants' wellbeing, create community, and provide opportunities to participate in heritage to benefit Cumberland’s residents and visitors.

CAER is a collaboration between Action in Caerau and Ely, Cardiff University, local schools, residents and many others. The project focuses upon the co-produced research of Caerau Hillfort, a nationally important site that’s nestled in the Cardiff suburbs of Caerau and Ely, two of the most deprived wards in Wales.​

Sakshi is a recent graduate from the University of London’s Institute of Archaeology. She passionately advocates for increased access to archaeological careers, and has been a vital part of the CIfA Early Careers committee since 2022. She was recently awarded the Norah Molony prize for fieldwork and the Hellyar Prize for Outstanding Contributions to the Life and Work of the Institute of Archaeology. 

Uncovering Roman Carlisle is a fantastic project that has sought to involve the local community in not only the discovery, but interpretation, of a site of international importance when it comes to our understanding of Roman Britain. The engagement across the spectrum of the Carlisle community by the Uncovering Roman Carlisle project is what made this approach so significant to those who took part and left a lasting impression on those who visited.  

​​Roots in Time is an archaeology and art project at a new public green space and woodland. A community excavation of Romano-British/prehistoric archaeology was followed by onsite interpretation co-created with local communities. Part of Worcestershire County Council’s net-zero strategy, additional biodiverse habitats were created through designing with the archaeology.​ 

Highly commended: WallCAP – Hadrian’s Wall Community Archaeology Project

Project overview:

​​​WallCAP was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to promote the value of heritage – specifically of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site – to local communities and provide opportunities for volunteers to engage with the archaeology and conservation of the Wall to better ensure the future of the monument. ​

Judges' comments:

WallCap, the Hadrian’s Wall Community Archaeology project targeted local communities, heritage managers, educational and academic stakeholders and the wider public with its dissemination activities. Each had a specific dissemination strategy tailored to maximise engagement with and understanding of the archaeology and conservation of Hadrian’s wall, and to promote a sense of place at a local level. Activities included informational and results sessions, social media, press releases, media coverage, newsletters, a volunteer portal, reports, conference papers, scholarly publications, online lecture series, site tours, exhibitions at 3 locations and a book. Care was taken to match timing and locations of dissemination activities to the identified groups.

Highly commended: Hands-on Heritage volunteers at Avalon Archaeology​

Project overview:

​​​The Hands-on Heritage volunteer project has created an exciting new archaeological open air museum on the Somerset Levels. The dedicated band of volunteers has spent a decade creating a range of vibrant archaeological reconstructions that are now open to the public and visiting groups to experience and enjoy.​​

Judges' comments:

These were two amazing projects, each with different aims, objectives, audiences (and budgets) that scored very highly. The judges felt that these projects could be easily replicated across the country and are great examples of what can be achieved through archaeology to benefit communities (and the wider public). (Joint response for Hands-on Heritage and Archaeology on Prescription)

Highly commended: Archaeology on Prescription

Project overview:

Archaeology on Prescription is York Archaeology's pioneering project that uses archaeology as a social prescribing tool. Participants join the project with mental health conditions, disabilities, and other barriers that have excluded them from archaeology previously. Through archaeology, they improve their health and well-being, plus learn new skills in archaeology.

Judges' comments:

These were two amazing projects, each with different aims, objectives, audiences (and budgets) that scored very highly. The judges felt that these projects could be easily replicated across the country and are great examples of what can be achieved through archaeology to benefit communities (and the wider public). 

Highly commended: Tabitha Gulliver Lawrence

Overview

Tabitha is a 2020 graduate from Bournemouth University with a strong enthusiasm for archaeology, public outreach, and local communities. She currently works for Colchester Archaeological Trust, alongside volunteering for the CIfA Early Career Special Interest Group, CIfA Diggers Forum, the Young Archaeologist Club, and the Lithics Studies Society. 

Judges' comments:

Inspiring early career archaeologist embarking on an impactful career. We look forward to seeing everything they will accomplish in the years to come!

Highly commended: Diggit: Paperless recording for all archaeology

Project overview:

​​Diggit is a paperless recording system that brings sustainable, accessible digital recording practices to all archaeologists.​ 

Diggit has now been used to record on over 350 sites, and we’ve spoken to archaeologists from over 25 countries to inform the development of its upcoming international version.

Judges' comments:

This IT solution to Archaeology’s carbon footprint and drive to net zero, has the potential to be adopted across the sector. Diggit have clearly demonstrated an innovative approach to create an accessible, cost effective and climate aware digit recording system. Putting environmental issues at the heart of every stage of its development and system implementation.

Therefore, we highly recommend it.