Martin Railton commended as a heritage leader in Eden

Appleby-based archaeologist and environmentalist Martin Railton has been awarded the Inspiring Eden Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to local community and heritage.

Martin's entrepreneurship and dedication to preserving local heritage have been exemplified by the founding of Eden Heritage Ltd: an archaeology consultancy start-up established during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Martin's success in growing and developing the business in unprecedented times has demonstrated great resilience, commitment and ingenuity.

Through Eden Heritage Ltd, Martin has delivered commercial archaeology consultancy services, providing employment opportunities for local people. His range of services and interventions includes archaeological surveys and evaluations, geo-physical surveys and heritage assessments. These support planning applications and economic development throughout the Eden Valley and Cumbria, while also preserving local historical building assets.

Martin's contribution to Cumbrian heritage has been unstinting, as evidenced by over 15 articles published in The Cumberland and Westmorland Herald newspaper and 8 academic journal publications over a 20-year period. He has also voluntarily supported Eden District Council's Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) project, using the town's built and written history to promote it as a place to live and visit.

In his role, he has provided volunteering opportunities for people of all ages through the Appleby Archaeology Group, which he established 25 years ago. He has catered inclusively for all levels of interest and ability, providing training, events, talks, visits, and local fieldwork activities. Martin's commitment to preserving historic Appleby has been acknowledged by his membership in Appleby's Heritage Futures Group, promoting and preserving the town's heritage to bring economic and social benefits to the community.

For his contributions, he was even awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in her late Majesty's 2022 Jubilee birthday honours for founding Appleby Archaeology Group and for his contributions to the local community in Appleby-in-Westmorland.

The Inspiring Eden Award recognises Martin Railton's unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Cumbrian heritage, contributing to the local economy and providing inclusive opportunities for people of all ages. His dedication and entrepreneurial spirit have been an inspiration to many and have helped to make Eden a better place to live and visit.

Martin said, "In terms of archaeology, there was lack of people in the Eden Valley delivering these services, so I was really keen to bring those opportunities back to county after working in Manchester previously. Starting up the business was a bit of a risk, but I knew the service was needed. I'm really pleased that despite the challenges of COVID, we have managed to keep going and continue to grow and develop.

On receiving the award, he added, "It is a great honour and I am very grateful for the recognition. Very often when you're starting up a business, it is quite a lonely place. It's really nice to get the recognition that what I'm doing is really making a difference and it is being valued by others."

Cllr Douglas Banks, Chair of Eden District Council, said, "I just think it's wonderful that somebody is getting local people to look at where they live, and find out the history of their place. It's brilliant how Martin encourages children and the local community to learn more about the history of where they live, and hopefully this can go to helping young people to stay in the area for local opportunities.

"Martin is a worthy recipient of the Inspiring Eden Award, and we hope that his example will inspire others in the area to work towards similar goals."

The Inspiring Eden Awards are part of Eden District Council's wider initiative to promote rural excellence and support the local economy.

By recognizing the achievements of exceptional individuals and organizations, the Council hopes to encourage others to follow their lead and help build a brighter future for the Eden area.

For more information on the Inspiring Eden Awards and Eden District Council's plans for rural excellence, visit our Inspiring Eden section.