Archaeology in the Forest

Map of Wales showing Forest Enterprise land (green) and the Forest District boundaries (red), the District Offices are marked, as is the Regional Office in Aberystwyth

The Welsh forests owned and managed by Forest Enterprise (Wales) contain over 7000 archaeological sites. These have been mapped, recorded and visited as part of the Welsh Heritage Assets Project. The Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust was involved in setting up the project and in carrying out part of the survey work.

The archaeological data from the project now forms part of the Regional Sites and Monuments Record as well as being used by Forest Enterprise to improve the management and presentation of the historic landscape.

Access to a selection of the best-preserved sites is being improved and interpretation panels and walks will enhance public enjoyment of the archaeology of the forests. Many of the forests have well established trails and cycle routes. Visitors centres can be found throughout Wales including in Coed y Brenin and Garwnant. Leaflets on the forests are available from visitor centres and Forest District offices.

For further information please contact Trefor Owen at trefor.owen@forestry.gov.uk or the regional office in Aberystwyth. For the address of the regional office and the five district offices marked on the map (right), see contact details.

Find out more about the archaeology found in Welsh forests by looking at the following pages. They contain information about sites that can visited and enjoyed by everyone.

Mines and Quarries of North Wales

The Deserted Countryside

Prehistoric People