Welsh Journals

WALES IN MAPS SERIES: CADW A note on a conservation development in Wales Cadw (Welsh Historic Monuments) Cadw was established in 1984 to manage the State's monuments in Wales, its personnel being provided by both the Welsh Office and the Wales Tourist Board The map of Cadw sites shows their dispersal throughout the Principality, but particularly in the South and North of the country. The map also shows the several types of Cadw sites, which range from castles and abbeys to smaller historic sites, industrial monuments of the industrial revolution. Reference to the second map, that of castles, shows that Cadw's portfolio of castle sites is limited generally to the more substantial sites of those listed in the popular guide books. Cadw has been set up to reverse the persistent decline of the past decade in the number of visitors to the State's monuments in Wales. Preliminary results suggest that Cadw is on the right tracks. In 1985 the decline in visitor numbers may have bottomed out Cadw has also developed their product by introducing new forms of site interpretation quality souvenirs and a 'Heritage in Wales' club. whereas in the past the Welsh Office and their predecessors conserved the sites and generally waited for visitors to arrive. Cadw is continuing to develop both promotional and marketing strategies. so that more people can be aware of the heritage of Wales and appreciate the sites. It will be a few years before any firm trends can be identified to this end; Cadw's performance will be watched with interest. Richard Prentice, Department of Geography, University College of Swansea.