Southeast Wales Industrial Ironworks Landscapes

The ironmaking industry shaped much of the historic landscape of South East Wales, yet its remains are increasingly threatened by reclamation, renewal, and development. This Cadw-funded project assessed the survival and condition of 35 identified ironworks areas along the northern coalfield rim, mapping them within a GIS framework and highlighting their significance. The study identifies key threats, conservation needs, and management priorities to ensure that industrial heritage can be safeguarded while accommodating change. By documenting these rare landscapes, the project provides a vital foundation for the long-term protection and interpretation of South East Wales’s ironworking past.