The Marsh Awards celebrate young people in community archaeology!
July 2026
YAC’s parent organisation, the Council for British Archaeology, is delighted to partner with the Marsh Charitable Trust in delivering the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards. We are delighted to share the fantastic projects shortlisted for the 2026 Community Archaeology Project of the Year, all three of which included engagement with young people. Read on to find out more…
What are 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. It’s all about showcasing excellence in archaeology and celebrating community archaeology!
YAC’s parent organisation, The Council for British Archaeology, is delighted to partner with the Marsh Charitable Trust in delivering the Marsh Community Archaeology Awards. The Trust supports organisations and people who make a difference within the charity sector. We fully support the Trust’s view that it is people who are at the heart of the charity sector and who voluntarily or professionally go above and beyond to make a difference.
Find out more about the Marsh Community Award awards here.
Winner! Vikings for Scouts
Vikings for Scouts is a collaboration between the University of Nottingham’s Centre for the Study of the Viking Age (CSVA) and Derbyshire Scout Archaeology (DSA). From research-informed resource development and outreach training for adult volunteers, to exciting and interactive activities for Scouts, the project aims to inspire young people in the East Midlands to investigate how Viking period archaeology reveals the lasting impact of the Vikings on our towns and communities, and on our lives today.
Shortlisted: Farm Green Dig Project
The project explored a previously overlooked medieval and post-medieval farm complex hidden beneath a community park in Bevendean, one of Brighton’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods. In total, 732 individuals aged 3 to 93 engaged across the project. Led by Brighton YAC and delivered through a partnership with Brighton & Hove Archaeological Society (BHAS), and Bevendean History Group (BHG), it placed local people at the centre of uncovering their own history. This represents a significant shift in Sussex archaeology practice towards a co-created, community-led heritage model.
Brighton YAC leaders Flick and Gemma tell us more about this fantastic project on the YAC blog here. They have also shared some helpful advice on funding community archaeology projects.
Shortlisted: Broadfield Park Slopes
Starting in June 2025, the project has delivered a total of 22 archaeology work placements, completing 1094.5 volunteer hours, working with local university/college students and local people, providing skills development opportunities in excavation, community archaeology, map regression, finds cataloguing and display design, among others. All participants reported having gained new skills and increased confidence, as well as a large majority reporting that the placements have changed their thoughts/actions about heritage, particularly accessibility to careers.
Congratulations to all of the nominees for 2026’s Community Archaeology Project of the Year and Community Archaeologist of the Year!