Cardiff University archaeology projects shortlisted for national award

Cardiff University archaeology projects Guerilla Archaeology and Teffont Archaeology have been shortlisted for the prestigious Archaeological Achievement Awards, recognising their work in improving lives and generating new opportunities.

Both projects have been shortlisted for the Engagement and Participation category, with Teffont also nominated for the Learning, Training and Skills category.

Teffont Archaeology and Guerilla Archaeology both focus on opening access to the past, creating knowledge and skills exchange through enjoyment, and using archaeology as a pathway to enhance personal and social wellbeing.

Teffont Archaeology began life as the Teffont Archaeology Project in 2008, a research project collaborating with the local community in Teffont to investigate a previously unknown Roman shrine. The project has since grown to a major archaeological research effort, discovering and investigating Roman temples, villas, and settlements across southern Wiltshire, and training over 650 people in archaeological skills.

Founded in 2011, Guerilla Archaeology is a co-operative collective of archaeologists, artists, scientists and makers who bring the past to life in unexpected places. Since its creation, the collective has delivered more than 75 creative workshops, stands and performances at music festivals, heritage sites, community hubs, and public spaces across the UK. It has trained over 130 people to deliver workshops, and engaged with over 40,000 people. The project is recognised for its collaborative, innovative approach to public engagement, connecting people with archaeology through playful, thought-provoking and hands-on activities.

The two shortlisted projects both have community, co-production and inclusivity at the heart of their work.

For the last several years Teffont has worked in collaboration with Salisbury Museum, Carer Support Wiltshire, the Wiltshire Field Group, and Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme to build inclusive archaeological experiences where everyone is welcome, particularly those who might not otherwise be able to participate.

Professor Jacqui Mulville, founder of Guerilla Archaeology, said, "We created Guerilla Archaeology as a collective co-op to break archaeology out of the traditional classroom or museum and bring it to audiences who might never seek it out. It’s about making heritage accessible, challenging assumptions, and creating moments of wonder."

Teffont Archaeology director, Dr David Roberts, said:

"In the last three years we’ve run five major community training excavations, and dozens of talks, geophysical surveys, training workshops, walks, co-curated exhibitions and other events with our specialist team and collaborators.

We’ve seen people increase wellbeing, skills, and engagement with heritage, and nurtured new friendships across communities, and would like to thank our wonderful team and funders, especially the National Lottery Heritage Fund, for making this possible."

The projects open access to new archaeological research and empower people.

Teffont co-creation includes participants developing their own research projects within a supportive network, diversifying and increasing opportunities.

From ‘Iron Age Olympics’ or the ‘Bog Body Shop’ to ‘Stonehengebury’s’ and ‘Science of the Lambs’ Guerilla Archaeology combines cutting-edge research with creativity to spark conversations about the past, present and future.

These projects are just two examples from Cardiff’s substantial portfolio of work in changing lives through archaeology. In 2023 Caerau and Ely Rediscovering (CAER) Heritage Project won the Engagement and Participation category at the awards.

Formerly the British Archaeology Awards, the Archaeological Achievement Awards are coordinated by the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) with the support of a judging panel, celebrating archaeological achievements from across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Find out more about Teffont Archaeology Project, Guerilla Archaeology and the Archaeological Achievement Awards. You can also learn more about studying archaeology and conservation through our Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses.

Participants select available ancient foods and avoid those that are later introductions to create their own Neolithic feasts! This activity has been noted for its accessibility. This particular event in 2021 shows GA getting back to work as soon as possible after Covid restrictions allowed.

“I learned more in a few minutes about Neolithic life than I have in a lifetime before now. This is such a brilliant way of sharing knowledge.”

“Never done an activity like that anywhere else. One daughter is autistic and this activity engaged both her and her sister.” Stonehengebury’s Participants

Visitors use archaeological science to solve ancient murder mysteries and return their sheep to their flock (archaeological site!). This activity has been delivered in English and Welsh, at Schools, festivals, and community settings. Participants have noted that it breaks barriers to information by making complex ideas understandable through interactive fun.

“Really nice and thought provoking! Difficult to cater for all ages but this got a 6 year old and 46 year old thinking about bones. Well done!” - Science of the Lambs participant

In 2024 Teffont Archaeology ran a major excavation on a newly discovered Roman villa in the Chalke valley, the first known from the area, funded by Chase and Chalke Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Volunteer participants said:

“Before the project I had lost a lot of confidence in my abilities due to a mixture of ill health and personal circumstances and the project has reminded me that I can have a positive effect on my environment and on other people and most of all that I can be a decent archaeologist.”

The Teffont Archaeology team at work on site in 2023, excavating a major Roman settlement which provided hospitality to visitors to a Roman shrine.

Positive action placements on the project said:

“Didn’t feel like the odd one out, there were other disabled people and other people from diverse backgrounds, so it felt normal.”

“Experience was a turning point in the last decade. Was generally lacking confidence, and the excavation was a growing moment.”