Community Project shortlisted for prestigious Archaeology Award

The CAER Heritage Project, an innovative partnership between community development organisation Action in Caerau and Ely (ACE), Cardiff University, local schools, community groups and residents, has been shortlisted for one of the UK’s most prestigious awards in Archaeology.

Nominated for the Marsh Award for community archaeology, the project is working to rediscover the heritage of one of Cardiff’s hidden treasures, Caerau Iron Age hillfort, which overlooks the western suburbs of the city and is located in one of the most vibrant yet socially challenged suburbs of southeast Wales.

Now in its fifth year, the CAER Heritage Project is entering the development phase of its Hidden Hillfort Heritage Lottery grant, aiming to open up the site, through a repurposed gospel hall-turned-visitor centre, a community garden and heritage trails for the wider public.

Each year the Marsh Archaeology Awards celebrate excellence in community archaeology and recognise the passion and dedication of the many people working so hard to protect and understand British Archaeology.

Supported by the Marsh Christian Trust, the coveted Marsh Award for Community Archaeology recognises and promotes the results of research and/or fieldwork led by community groups which have made a substantial contribution to knowledge and wellbeing.

Dr Oliver Davis, co-director of the project at Cardiff University’s School of History, Archaeology and Religion said: "We are delighted that the CAER Heritage Project has been recognised for both its impact on the community and its archaeological significance. Our community-led excavations have revealed the site as a power centre from the Neolithic to Roman and Medieval times..."

Dave Horton of Action for Caerau and Ely added: “The project has had a growing and significant impact on our community. Not only are we creating a positive vision for the area, but we are bringing together people from all generations and backgrounds to make more change possible. Local people are learning new skills, local schools are bringing our heritage into classrooms and we are starting to open up the site to share our amazing heritage with people far and wide.”

Winners of the awards for Community Project, Young Archaeologist and Community Archaeologist will be announced by the Council for British Archaeology at a special ceremony in London on 6 November.