Our Project
CAER Heritage was established in 2011 and is a collaboration between Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE), Cardiff University, local schools, residents, community groups and many others. The project focuses upon the research of one of the most impressive, but under-appreciated heritage sites in Wales, Caerau Hillfort. This nationally important site is surrounded by the west Cardiff suburbs of Caerau and Ely, which are communities facing serious social and economic challenges.
From the beginning the guiding principle has been to actively involve community members, groups and heritage professionals in the co-production of archaeological and historical research to create educational opportunities, break down barriers to educational progression, promote skills development and challenge the negative perceptions of these communities. CAER activities are wide-ranging and have included geophysics, excavations (including an excavation by Time Team in 2012), artefact analyses, exhibitions, art installations, films, heritage trails, performances, accredited courses and experimental archaeology.
Archaeological excavations are exciting and have always been a major focus of CAER activities. Over the next 3 years we’ll be undertaking a range of community-led excavations in and around the hillfort site. These will help us understand more about the development of the hillfort and how it relates to its surrounding landscape.
In June and July 2019 many of you helped us to complete a dig across the hillfort ramparts which will be part of the new heritage trails interpretation.
In autumn 2021 and the spring and summer of 2022, we’ll be looking for volunteers to help with the geophysical survey and excavation of a potential Iron Age site in near-by Trelai Park.