The Marsh Community Archaeology Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of these people who are committed to social, cultural, and environmental causes. The awards showcase excellence in archaeology, celebrating the passion and dedication of individuals and the outstanding contribution of archaeology projects which create social, cultural and environmental benefit.
This year we have shortlisted nominees in two categories...
- Community Archaeologist of the Year - This award recognises an individual volunteer or professional who is going above and beyond their role to contribute to community archaeology.
- Community Archaeology Project of the Year - This award recognises and promotes the results of research and/or fieldwork led by community groups which have made a substantial contribution to knowledge and wellbeing.
Community Archaeologist of the Year
Catherine Parker Heath
Catherine Parker Heath is a Community and Conservation Archaeologist at the Peak District National Park. Through her work with volunteers, Catherine shares her love of archaeology enabling people of all ages and backgrounds to actively participate in projects across the Park. With a strong emphasis on skills development Catherine teaches participants in a range of areas including surveying, photography, drawing and digital mapping with ArcGIS.
Michael Gill
Michael Gill is an active member of the Avon Valley Archaeological Society (AVAS), is currently an IT specialist at Ordnance Survey and has a keen interest in the archaeology of the Avon Valley. In 2014 he approached Bournemouth University to see if they might have any un-used equipment in their stores that AVAS could use. This request lead to the creation of the LoCATE geophysical survey project. The project has provided access to specialist equipment and training to local archaeological and history societies within Dorset and Hampshire since 2015, and, as a result of Mike’s enquiry, tens of local societies have taken part, with well over 100 individuals trained and more than 50 surveys undertaken. Mike has worked with land owners, AVAS members and undertaken his own research, breaking down perceived barriers associated with technology and helping to train and support other local groups both in using the equipment and downloading, processing and interpreting the data, all of which is done during his spare time.
Lara Haggerty
Lara Haggerty is the Keeper of Books at the oldest surviving library in England and Scotland, the grade I listed, Library of Innerpeffray in Perthshire. Lara is dedicated to conserving the libraries collection and with a team of enthusiastic volunteers Lara ensures the buildings and collections are cared for - including an annual cleaning of the books which takes 3 months - and is currently working to implement more environmentally sustainable practices. Drawing on historical records and archaeological research, Lara shares her knowledge offering free public tours of the library and adjacent chapel, which is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, encouraging children and young people interested in studying archaeology and history and giving regular talks for the local community. Lara also encourages new research utilising the libraries books and archives. The library also displays a small collection of artefacts which help tell the wider story of the site.
Vanessa Oakden
Vanessa Oakden is an archaeologist employed by the Museum of Liverpool, and also runs the Mersey and Dee Young Archaeologist Club. Vanessa is committed to enabling young people to engage with archaeology through the well attended YAC branch and has inspired several members to go on to pursue archaeology. Vanessa also runs an ‘Emerging Archaeologist’ club that caters for older children (16+) who are looking at potential career options, enabling them to develop a range of skills. Where possible Vanessa finds opportunities for young people and the wider community to participate in archaeological fieldwork and ran the Piermaster’s House Community Dig.
Emily Wapshott
Emily Wapshott is the Archaeological Project lead for the Dig The Castle Project in Great Torrington. Sharing her passion for archaeology, Emily has brought together members of the local community to enable them to participate in the excavations learning new fieldwork skills or showcasing existing talents through art and immersive film. Located in a Level One Levelling Up area, Emily has ensured the project is welcoming, accessible and safe environment for all with school visits, family and open days and enabling people of all ages to get involved – the youngest participant was 5 and the oldest was 92!
Community Project of the Year
Digging For Erlestoke
In 1963 a small-scale archaeological excavation took place on the site of HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire when it was a different institution. During this dig items were found dating back to the Bronze Age. Sixty years on, a team from Wessex Archaeology, with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, carried out a new excavation. Designed to explore the potential impact of archaeology and heritage on wellbeing, the men from category C HMP Erlestoke prison took part in every step of the archaeology programme. Alongside excavation skills the men also participated in workshops relating to ecology, LIDAR and marine archaeology. The project had a significant impact on the participants but has also had a wider impact on the prison community with archaeology now incorporated into maths classes, artwork, and horticulture.
Dig the Castle
The Dig the Castle Project (September/October 2023) was an attempt to explore Torrington’s little understood motte and bailey castle and to involve the community as widely as possible. Over 100 adults took part in the excavation and an open day saw over 200 visitors, while over 150 children visited via school visits and activities. Volunteers developed a range of skills including excavation and finds processing with the sense of community and the outdoor environment enabling participants to develop new friendships, improve their sense of wellbeing and develop a greater sense of purpose.
LoCATE (Local Community Archaeological Training and Equipment)
LoCATe (Local Community Archaeological Training and Equipment) is a partnership between archaeologists at Bournemouth University (BU) and the New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA). Working with archaeological societies and community groups from across Hampshire and Dorset, the project provides access, training, and support to geophysical and mapping survey equipment that might otherwise be hard to obtain. LoCATE aims to support the research that local groups already do by extending the range of techniques and skills they can apply to their own research. The goal is to enable an even greater contribution to the understanding of the rich archaeological heritage of our region. The LoCATE project has facilitated access to archaeological investigation techniques that might typically be observed as inaccessible to local society members, providing opportunities to develop new skills and participate in a variety of ways.
The Big Bronze- Age Boat Build
The Big Bronze Age Boat Build is part of a larger project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund exploring Stanwick Lakes Bronze and Iron Age heritage. The project provides a focus for the community to connect with the past and engage in activities which boost well-being as well as provide opportunities to learn new skills, through experimental archaeology - creating a replica Bronze Age boat using ancient tools and techniques. Taking over 800 hours, the build was led by Dr James Dilley working with volunteers including members of the local community and schools, Operation Phoenix, social-prescribing groups and learning differences groups. The project has contributed to the understanding of Bronze Age boat building techniques and the effectiveness of Bronze Age tools as well as developing confidence, a sense of ownership and achievement and self-esteem within the team.
Archaeology on Prescription: ‘Trench 8 Graduate Research Project’
Archaeology On Prescription is York Archaeology’s National Lottery Heritage Fund funded social prescribing project, centring around an archaeological investigation in a space within the Scheduled Monument of the ramparts of York City Walls. The project was carried out by a group of individuals with a mix of ages, backgrounds and life experiences (including complex mobility and/or mental health needs), supported by archaeologists from York Archaeology. The participants on the Trench 8 excavation undertook all of the excavation and recording building on skills from previous training within the project and developed a great sense of friendship and community along the way. The group have continued to meet and share their enthusiasm for archaeology since the project ended and York Archaeology plan to work with graduates to co-create future projects.
There are no shortlisted candidates in the Young Archaeologist of the Year and Youth Engagement Project of the Year awards due to a lack of nominations. We will be looking at how best to take these categories forward in 2025.
