‘Community Archaeologist of the Year’ award

The Royal Parks’ first in-house archaeologist, Andrew Mayfield, has won the Marsh Community Archaeologist of the Year Award.

The award is presented to the individual who has ‘delivered exceptional archaeological work within their communities’ and who ‘helps to sustain our cultural heritage for future generations, as well as inspiring others to share their love of archaeology’.

Mayfield has delivered his first two community projects at Greenwich Park, part of the Maritime World Heritage Site, through Greenwich Park Revealed, an £8 million, 4-year investment to restore the park’s historic landscape and share its stories.

Many more community archaeology projects are planned for Greenwich Park.

On winning the award, Andrew Mayfield, said:

“I am very humbled to receive this award. I love being a community archaeologist, working with the public to understand the archaeology buried beneath our feet. Most importantly I feel that this award also recognises the enthusiasm, interest and expertise of all the volunteers I work with.

“In my role as community archaeologist for the Greenwich Park Revealed project, I have worked with local schools, volunteers and the wider public to explore and understand the archaeology of the park.

“So far, we have examined Saxon burial sites, researched buried ice houses, searched for Romans and uncovered evidence for lost telescopes and observatories…and we still have two more years of adventures to come!”

The Award is run in partnership by the Council for British Archaeology and the Marsh Charitable Trust, which aims to give back to society by supporting those who are making a difference.

Neil Redfern, Executive Director, Council for British Archaeology, said:

“If you wanted to find an archaeologist who encapsulates everything that archaeology is about, then that’s Andrew.

“It’s his ability to take what on the face of it is a very complex process, simplify it down, and draw in people who have had no experience of archaeology and show them they can do it.

“It’s that ability to communicate, to infuse and to enable people to do it themselves that is such a unique and brilliant attribute of his.

“The people he works with - from the Young Archaeologist’s group to the community at Greenwich Park, where he is currently working to reveal the fascinating history of the park - are deeply inspired by his impact and the fact that he has won this award is absolutely brilliant."