Heneb Launches Five Year Strategy at the Senedd‑Year Strategy at the Senedd
A bit more about our launch. On 29 January 2026, Heneb – the Trust for Welsh Archaeology – formally launched its ambitious new five year strategy at the Senedd, marking a significant milestone for the future of archaeology and heritage protection in Wales. The event brought together politicians, partners, professionals and supporters to celebrate a shared vision for safeguarding and sharing Wales’s archaeology over the coming decade.
The strategy, titled Revealing Wales’ Past, Shaping Our Future, sets out Heneb’s priorities for the period to 2030 and reflects the organisation’s role as Wales’ national archaeological charity. Unveiled at an event sponsored by Heledd Fychan MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson for Culture, the launch underlined the importance of archaeology to Wales’s cultural identity and public life.
At the heart of the strategy are five interconnected strategic goals. These include strengthening public archaeological services for all 22 Welsh local authorities; growing income and organisational resilience; widening participation and inclusion through community led engagement; leading innovation and research; and continuing to develop Heneb as a single, bilingual, inclusive organisation.
A strong emphasis is placed on community engagement and access, with continued plans for public events, lectures, festivals and conferences, alongside the development of a mobile Discovery Hub to reach communities across Wales. The strategy also commits to innovation through expanded research programmes, digital access to archaeological records, and the use of new technologies to better understand and protect sites at risk.
Speaking at the launch, Heneb’s Chair, Dr Carol Bell, highlighted the organisation’s national reach and public responsibility, emphasising that the strategy sets out how Heneb will both uncover Wales’s past and bring it alive for present and future communities. Heledd Fychan MS echoed this sentiment, noting that Wales’s archaeological heritage belongs to everyone and must be protected and shared widely.
The Senedd launch was both a celebration and a statement of intent. As pressures from development, climate change and funding constraints continue to grow, Heneb’s five year strategy provides a clear, confident roadmap for ensuring that Wales’s archaeology remains protected, understood and valued – not just by specialists, but by communities across the nation.‑year strategy provides a clear, confident roadmap for ensuring that Wales’s archaeology remains protected, understood and valued – not just by specialists, but by communities across the nation.
Guests praised the clarity of the strategy and the event itself:
“Back to where it all began… my career in the sector began by training as an archaeologist. So it was particularly exciting to join Heneb: The Trust for Welsh Archaeology yesterday at the Senedd for the launch of its Five Year Strategy and hear their vision for archaeology in Wales. It was inspiring to see such a good turn out for the event and highlighted the place and potential archaeology has to tell the story of Cymru and inspire the next generation. To see that opportunity you only need look at the recent announcement of the discovery of Wales’ largest Roman villa in Margam, that alone tells you about the power of archaeology. Archaeology is the fabric of the nation, the story of the everyday and a physical connection to the people that came before.” William Tregaskes Policy and Public Affairs Manager (Wales) at National Lottery Heritage Fund
“This Thursday, 29 January, I found myself at the launch of Heneb at the Senedd. Archaeology usually feels far removed from everyday life. But try this formula: any urgent issue + archaeology = unexpected solutions. One example? Operation Nightingale — a UK programme where veterans with PTSD take part in archaeological digs as part of their recovery. And yes — it truly works. That’s why I was curious about what Heneb is really doing, not about the past, but about new ways of thinking about the present. And a genuine thank you…for the atmosphere, the people, the flow of the event. One of those rare moments when you can feel it wasn’t done “to spec”, but with real care. Sometimes the strongest ideas don’t come from trends — they come from the layers beneath them.” Larysa Martseva Project Lead Operation Nightingale
“Change and progress for Archaeology in Wales as Heledd Fychan welcomes the launch of the strategic plan for Heneb the national voice for archaeology in Wales.
Dr Kate Roberts (Cadw Chief Executive) explains that archaeology is an opportunity to improve tourism, wellbeing, the economy and sense of place. That archaeology matters to Wales.” Professor Jane Henderson, Cardiff University
“A fabulous day for archaeology organised by Heneb at the Senedd. Definitely something we should do more of!” Dr Steve Burrow, Head of Archaeology, Amgueddfa Cymru
“I was pleased to sponsor the launch of Heneb’s Strategy for the next five years in the Senedd yesterday and to offer a few words of welcome to the audience, as well as support for their work. It was also great to see so many colleagues that I previously worked with during my time at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and when I was involved with the Museums Federation Cymru. Sorry if I didn’t get a chance to speak to all of you. Wales’ archaeological heritage belongs to us all, and Heneb’s strategy ensures that it will be protected, celebrated, and shared with every community across Wales. This is a bold and exciting vision that recognises the threats we face from climate change, as well as the opportunities to connect people with the rich history beneath their feet. I’m looking forward to following Heneb’s story over the next five years and beyond.
Heledd Fychan, AS
Photo: L-R Dr Kate Roberts, Cadw; Luke Jenkins, Heneb; Dr Steve Burrow, Amgueddfa Cymru; Dr Rebecca Wragg-Sykes, archaeologist; Heledd Fychan, AS; Denise Lewis-Poulton, National Lottery Heritage Fund; Dr Carol Bell, Heneb; Richard Nicholls, Heneb.
