29 Jun 2024

Marsh Awards Shortlist Announced

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is thrilled to announce the shortlist for the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards. These awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and projects dedicated to social, cultural, and environmental causes through archaeology.

The Marsh Community Archaeology Awards highlight excellence in the field, showcasing the passion and dedication of those who go above and beyond to create social, cultural, and environmental benefits through their work. This year, we have shortlisted nominees in two categories: Community Archaeologist of the Year and Community Archaeology Project of the Year.

Brian Marsh OBE, Chairman of the Marsh Charitable Trust, shared their excitement:

“We are pleased to be working with the Council for British Archaeology once again this year to present the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards. Since 2008, we have recognised a range of archaeologists and projects working to engage local communities in their heritage and preserve the future of this field. We would like to congratulate this year’s winners and look forward to learning more about the invaluable contributions they are making to community archaeology and local heritage.”

Discover Our Shortlist

Community Archaeologist of the Year

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Catherine Parker Heath
Catherine Parker Heath is a Community and Conservation Archaeologist at the Peak District National Park. She enables people of all ages and backgrounds to actively participate in projects across the Park, teaching skills such as surveying, photography, drawing, and digital mapping with ArcGIS.

Michael Gill
Michael Gill, an IT specialist at Ordnance Survey and an active member of the Avon Valley Archaeological Society (AVAS), has spearheaded the LoCATE geophysical survey project. This initiative has provided access to specialist equipment and training to local archaeological and history societies within Dorset and Hampshire, involving over 100 individuals in more than 50 surveys.

Michael remarked:

“It is a great surprise to be shortlisted and helps to make worthwhile the many hours spent surveying in the wind, rain, mud and snow with dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making new discoveries, contributing to the archaeological understanding of their local area and above all getting out in the countryside and making new friends.”

Lara Haggerty
Lara Haggerty, the Keeper of Books at the Library of Innerpeffray in Perthshire, conserves the library's collection, building, and adjacent church and graveyard. She offers public tours and encourages new research, including small excavations, sharing the results and artefacts within the library.

Vanessa Oakden
Vanessa Oakden, an archaeologist at the Museum of Liverpool, also runs the Mersey and Dee Young Archaeologist Club. She inspires young people to pursue archaeology and leads the Piermaster’s House Community Dig, providing opportunities for fieldwork and skill development.

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Emily Wapshott
Emily Wapshott, the Archaeological Project Lead for the Dig The Castle Project in Great Torrington, engages the community in excavations. Her project ensures inclusivity and accessibility, with participants ranging from 5 to 92 years old, fostering a welcoming environment for all.

Community Archaeology Project of the Year

Digging For Erlestoke
Wessex Archaeology's project at HMP Erlestoke involved men from the prison in every step of the archaeological program, significantly impacting their well-being and integrating archaeology into the prison community’s educational and creative activities.

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Dig the Castle
This project in Torrington involved over 100 adults and 150 children in excavations of a motte and bailey castle. It provided valuable skills and fostered community spirit and well-being.

LoCATE (Local Community Archaeological Training and Equipment)
A partnership between Bournemouth University and the New Forest National Park Authority, LoCATE provides access, training, and support for geophysical and mapping survey equipment, enhancing local archaeological research.

The LoCATE team stated:

 “We are delighted that our partnership project has been shortlisted for the Community Archaeology Project of the Year at this year's Marsh Community Archaeology Awards. This recognition is a testament to the enthusiasm and passion for archaeology shown by everyone involved in the project.”

The Big Bronze-Age Boat Build
Led by Dr. James Dilley, this project involved the community in creating a replica Bronze Age boat using ancient tools and techniques. It boosted well-being and provided insights into Bronze Age craftsmanship.

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Archaeology on Prescription: ‘Trench 8 Graduate Research Project’
York Archaeology’s social prescribing project involved participants with diverse backgrounds in excavating within York City Walls. The project fostered a sense of community and skill development, with participants continuing to engage in archaeology post-project.

About the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards

The Marsh Community Archaeology Awards are organized by the Marsh Charitable Trust in partnership with the Council for British Archaeology. Established to celebrate outstanding contributions to archaeology, these awards recognise individuals and projects that make significant social, cultural, and environmental impacts through their dedication and hard work. The awards are a testament to the transformative power of archaeology in fostering community engagement and promoting heritage preservation.

About the Council for British Archaeology (CBA)

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is dedicated to championing and promoting engagement in archaeology and supporting grassroots archaeologists across the UK. Our mission is to inspire individuals to explore their heritage and engage with the historic environment through archaeology.  As an educational charity, we provide opportunities for people to experience and participate in archaeology through local groups, the annual Festival of Archaeology, our bi-monthly British Archaeology magazine, and the Young Archaeologists’ Club for children aged 8-16.

Follow us on social media:
Twitter: @ArchaeologyUK
Instagram: @archaeologyuk
Facebook: Council for British Archaeology

For more information on the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards and to view the full shortlist, visit https://www.archaeologyuk.org/what-we-do/archaeology-awards/the-marsh-community-archaeology-awards.html