Meet the 2025 Winners and Highly Commended of the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards 

The Marsh Community Archaeology awards celebrate the people and projects transforming how we experience archaeology, breaking down barriers, sparking curiosity, and creating opportunities to connect with the past. These awards recognise the passion and dedication of individuals, and the outstanding impact of community projects bringing social, cultural and environmental benefits across the UK. 

Brian Marsh, OBE, shared:

“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 celebrated archaeologists and community projects working to engage local people 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.”   

Community Archaeologist of the Year   

WINNER - Simon Carroll 

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.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Dan Broadbent 

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. 

Community Archaeology Project of the Year   

WINNER - South West Maritime Archaeology Group (SWMAG) and the Salcombe Shipwreck Sites 

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.

HIGHLY COMMENDED - Sheffield Western Moors - Archaeological Surveys 

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.