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 co-produced research of some of the most impressive, but under-appreciated heritage sites in Wales at Caerau Hillfort and Trelai Park. These nationally important sites are 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.
Please take an opportunity to come and visit these amazing sites, visit the CAER Heritage Centre, walk the trails and find out about upcoming activities.
Our Project
Over the last 14 years CAER Heritage has undertaken a range of community-led archaeological excavations in Caerau and Ely. These digs have helped us understand more about some of the richest heritage sites in South Wales and how they relate to the surrounding landscape.
In June and July 2019 many of you helped us to complete a dig across the hillfort ramparts which formed a part of the new heritage trails interpretation. These trails can be accessed from the CAER Heritage Centre, our community hub for heritage based learning and opportunity that opened in 2021.
Since the summer of 2022, we have conducted geophysical surveys and excavations in near-by Trelai Park. Our recent community excavations have revealed that beneath the surface in the park lie an array of nationally significant archaeological sites. From a rare Bronze Age settlement to a Roman Villa and a racecourse that hosted the Welsh Grand National, Trelai Park is host to a number of remarkable links to Cardiff’s ancient past!
Reports
The CAER Heritage project has been funded by an extensive range of grant giving bodies including the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
As part of their support, the Lottery programme has funded an independent evaluation of the project by Project Evaluator and community heritage specialist, Gareth Kiddie of GKA which was released in May 2023. You can find the results of that evaluation HERE.
If you want to learn more about our most recent work then take a look at the new 2025 CAER Heritage Annual Report.
It has been a hugely rewarding year at CAER Heritage with lots of exciting discoveries, collaborations, events and achievements! You can find the report HERE.
