We’re delighted to share that Cornwall Heritage Trust has been recognised at the 2026 Cornwall Heritage Awards, winning two major awards and receiving Highly Commended recognition in two further categories.
The Cornwall Heritage Awards celebrate the outstanding projects, organisations and individuals protecting and sharing Cornwall’s rich heritage.
Pictured (left to right): Hollie Ferris, Lead Ranger, Melanie, one of our Hardy Bunch Volunteers, Sophie Meyer, Engagement Officer
Winner – Leader of the Year
Huge congratulations to Hollie, our inspiring Lead Ranger, who won the Leader of the Year award in recognition of her outstanding dedication, leadership and passion for Cornwall’s heritage.
Winner – Innovation Award
Our Digital Heritage Map project won the Innovation Award for helping more people explore Cornwall’s heritage online in accessible and engaging new ways.
With particular thanks to Grace, our Marketing Officer, for all her hard work in transforming the digital map from an idea to reality.
This digital interpretation project was made possible thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Rural Prosperity Fund and GWR.
Highly Commended – Collaboration Award
Our Castilly Henge excavation project received Highly Commended recognition in the Collaboration category.
Delivered in partnership with Historic England and Cornwall Archaeological Society, the project gave nearly 1,500 people the opportunity to get hands-on with archaeology and heritage through excavations, events and community engagement activities.
With particular thanks to Sophie, our Engagement Manager, Caroline, our Education & Outreach Manager, Sarah, our Operations Manager, our Sites team, our Trustees and all of our fantastic volunteers that supported this project.
The project was a collaboration between Historic England, Cornwall Archaeological Society and Cornwall Heritage Trust and was made possible thanks to support from these organisations, plus Cornwall Archaeological Unit, The National Lottery Heritage fund and Historic England.
Highly Commended – Heritage Heroes (Larger Organisations)
Our Practical Task Officer, Richie’s Thursday Volunteer Group – affectionately known as “The Hardy Bunch” – was Highly Commended for their incredible commitment to caring for key heritage sites across West Penwith in all conditions, throughout the year.
Commenting on the award results, Cathy Woolcock, CEO, said:
“To say we’re over the moon is an understatement. These awards mean such a huge amount to us because they recognise the passion, care and hard work that so many people pour into protecting Cornwall’s heritage every day.
What makes this especially meaningful is knowing how many people these projects have connected with – from staff and volunteers caring for heritage sites in all weathers and families discovering Cornwall’s history online in new and engaging ways, to people joining us in muddy excavation trenches and uncovering the stories of our sites first-hand.
I’m incredibly proud of everyone involved. These awards are a reflection of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partners and supporters, and we simply couldn’t do this work without them.”
Hollie receiving her award at the at the Awards Ceremony at the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall, on Tuesday 19th May 2026
Our Innovation Award for our Digital Map project.
