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Heneb: The Trust for Welsh Archaeology was formed in 2024 through the merger of the four regional Welsh archaeological trusts—Clwyd-Powys, Dyfed, Glamorgan-Gwent, and Gwynedd. For over 40 years, these trusts played a crucial role in preserving Wales’ archaeological heritage, and Heneb continues this legacy as an independent organisation dedicated to the protection, investigation, and promotion of Wales’ rich historic environment.

Our mission is to foster a deeper understanding of Wales’ past, celebrate its diverse cultural histories, and ensure that future generations can connect with their heritage.

Through innovative research, inclusive community engagement, and collaborative partnerships, Heneb works to make archaeology accessible and relevant to all.

Our Purpose

Heneb exists to inspire a deeper understanding of Welsh heritage. We work to ensure that the archaeological landscape of Wales is protected and accessible to all, fostering a sense of shared cultural identity and pride in the nation’s history.

What We Do

Heneb offers a comprehensive range of archaeological and heritage services. Our work includes:

Managing the Historic Environment Record (HER):

We oversee and maintain records of archaeological sites and historic landscapes across Wales, ensuring accurate information is available for research, planning, and public interest.

Excavations and Surveys

Our teams conduct archaeological digs and surveys to uncover new discoveries and protect threatened sites.

Research and Publications

We produce in-depth reports on our findings and share our knowledge through publications, ensuring Wales’ archaeology is recorded and studied for years to come.

Community Engagement

We run events, open days, and educational programmes to involve people of all ages in archaeology, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to their local heritage.

Consultation and Advice

Heneb provides expert guidance on planning and heritage management, helping to ensure that modern development is in harmony with Wales’ historic landscapes.

Our Vision

Uncovering, preserving, and sharing the rich archaeology of Wales is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that archaeology should be a living part of Wales’ cultural landscape, connecting communities to their past while inspiring a sense of shared identity.

Our vision is to create a future where heritage is not only protected but actively embraced by all.

Through our work, we strive to:

  • Promote

    Promote archaeology as a tool for education and community identity
  • Ensure

    Ensure the preservation of Wales’ historic sites
  • Inspire

    Inspire the public to engage with their history
  • Support

    Support sustainable development that respects and integrates Wales’ heritage

Our Commitment

Heneb is dedicated to protecting Wales’ archaeological past and promoting the importance of history to modern society.

Our Legacy

Heneb builds on the work of the four former trusts, each of which has played a significant role in shaping our understanding of Welsh archaeology over the past four decades.

The former trusts laid the groundwork for the protection of key sites and the development of strong ties with local communities.

As Heneb, we carry this legacy forward, combining regional expertise with national reach to ensure that Welsh archaeology continues to thrive.

Our Symbol: The Moel Hiraddug Bronze Plaque

The Moel Hiraddug bronze plaque, discovered in 1872 at a hillfort in Flintshire, serves as the symbol for Heneb.

This artefact, dating to the early 1st century BC, embodies the deep history of the region and reflects Heneb’s mission to unite the expertise of the four regional trusts into one organisation. 

2023-24 IN NUMBERS

5411

people participated in outreach activities

3 million

visits to the WATs websites

8468

hours of training, work experience or volunteering

5333

people took part in our facilitated learning programmes

406,781

live Historic Environment Records available to the public

21303

new records in the Historic Environment Record

106,052

enhancements made to the Historic Environment Record

664

Historic Environment Record enquiries

20,791

planning applications processed and assessed

2058

archaeological conditions on development projects