Meet the 2025 Finalists for the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards!

Founder of Elder Archaeology CIC and a driving force behind community excavation projects such as Hulton Park (2022) and Big Dig Rochdale 2.0 (2023), Colin has led a wide range of archaeological activities in Rochdale including training programmes, in-school digs, field schools, and public workshops. His recent work has included mentoring apprentices and delivering paid training placements. In addition to running these programmes, Dr Elder also lends his time to other community archaeology  initiatives in support of local groups and schools, from free talks, advice on funding, and workshops designed to break down barriers to participation. 

Dan is the Historic Heritage Officer for the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme and previously managed the Museum of Somerset. Over four years, he has led inclusive community excavations involving around 100 volunteers, many of whom had never held a trowel before. He secured a high-resolution LiDAR survey of the Quantocks that identified nearly 1,400 new features. Dan also established the Quantock Heritage Group to carry forward the momentum and skills built through his work, and continues through all his work to open doors for people who never imagined they could take part in archaeology. 

A professional archaeologist with the Cornwall Archaeological Unit and founder of the Meneage Archaeology Group (MAG), James has trained volunteers in excavation and surveying techniques, led excavations at multiple Cornish sites, and used digital platforms to build a vibrant online community. Under his leadership, MAG has undertaken the multi-period excavation site at Boden on the Lizard, revealing Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Romano British activity. He’s hosted school visits, open days, and walks, and made a major contribution to public understanding with the discovery that King Arthur’s Hall on Bodmin Moor dates to 5,500 BC.

Sarah is a inspirational figure who works tirelessly to ensure that the public are at the heart of her work in archaeology. As co-founder of Classics for All in Leicester and the East Midlands, she’s helped introduce over 33,000 pupils to Roman archaeology. At Irchester Field School, she’s enabled over 4,500 students and 250 young people to take part in excavations, alongside volunteers and university students. Sarah also directs the University of Leicester’s Heritage Hub, supports inclusive heritage projects with local partners, and pioneered a new practice-based PhD pathway for heritage professionals.

Having been forced out of teaching at 40, from a spinal injury, this hasn’t stopped him when it comes to Archaeology. Simon has become a driving force championing grassroots archaeology in North Devon. His work includes rediscovering and restoring St Petrock’s Well, leading community fieldwalking during lockdown, giving accessible presentations, and helping others carry out research. He built an Iron Age-style roundhouse for immersive school visits and outreach, including "Roundhouse on the Road" sessions, where the hands-on activities are brought directly into the classroom, breaking down barriers for those who could not afford transportation costs. Simon is also behind the "Accessible Antiquarian" Facebook group, promoting accessible heritage experiences and attracting over 10,000 followers in its first week.

Rain, snow, fog, you’ll still find Tim leading moorland surveys near Sheffield. A freelance archaeologist, Tim has worked with Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group for nearly 20 years and now leads moorland surveys west of Sheffield. These challenging surveys have recorded significant archaeological features and introduced many volunteers to field techniques, mapping, and teamwork. Tim also shares results through talks and reports, and his diverse group of volunteers say his leadership has boosted their skills, confidence, and wellbeing. Above all, they say Tim has a way of always making the work fun.

Led by Buckholt Bryngaer CIC, with support from Amgueddfa Cymru, Churchill Archaeology and from local volunteers, this project near Monmouth has uncovered a medieval dwelling, a possible Iron Age enclosure, a Neolithic site, and more. Volunteers, some travelling over 70 miles, join themed teams to investigate specific research questions. The project includes inclusive activities for wellbeing groups, refugees, and others, with open days and arts sessions proving popular locally. 

Find out more about the project with this blog by Dr Mark Lewis. 

Since 2021, this large-scale programme has engaged over 3,000 people in archaeology through activities like Big Digs, in-school programmes, public workshops, apprenticeships, and a field school for the University of Manchester. Notably, a free Archaeology Training Programme in 2023 led directly to paid work in professional archaeology for several participants. The programme has received high praise from volunteers and multiple awards, and continues to expand its legacy through skills development and inclusive engagement.

A key part of the Big Ideas By The Sea Festival, the Scarborough Big Dig offers free archaeological experiences for primary, secondary, and college students, as well as adults and those with additional needs. Located in one of Scarborough’s most deprived wards, the dig works in partnership with St Mary’s Church and has included GPR surveys, finds handling, and creative arts projects. Over 1,100 young people have taken part since 2022, and feedback shows a strong positive impact on behaviour, confidence, and wellbeing.

Led by Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group and Dr Tim Cockrell, this volunteer-led survey project explores the moorlands west of Sheffield. It has uncovered evidence of prehistoric activity and rock art. Volunteers, many new to archaeology, gain fieldwork skills and confidence, and the inclusive group supports social connection and wellbeing.

Diving into the past ... literally! SWMAG has spent over 30 years investigating the Salcombe Cannon and Moor Sand sites, with discoveries including gold artefacts, the largest assemblage of Islamic coins found in the UK, and Bronze Age weapons. In recent years, the group has recruited and trained 17 new volunteer divers, facilitated by Historic England. Original members have passed on their knowledge through mentoring and workshops, while also benefitting from the renewed sense of purpose and wellbeing the project has provided.