How Gower Unearthed CIC has benefited the community Gower Unearthed CIC has continued to provide significant community benefit by making Gower’s archaeology, history, landscape and cultural heritage accessible to local people, schools and visitors. During the year, the organisation delivered a range of educational and community activities, including work with local schools, field trips, archaeological activities, heritage events and opportunities for people to learn about and actively participate in the investigation and recording of Gower’s heritage. The organisation has supported young people through heritage education and the Young Archaeologists’ Club, providing practical opportunities to explore archaeology, local history and the historic environment. Continued engagement with schools has helped young people develop a stronger understanding of the place in which they live and encouraged them to value and protect their local heritage. Gower Unearthed has also worked with local communities to record and preserve knowledge that might otherwise be lost. Through oral history, historic place-name recording and community research, local people have been able to contribute their own knowledge and memories to the historical record. The organisation has worked collaboratively with heritage organisations, archives, universities, archaeological specialists and community partners, helping to bring expertise and research into the local community. This has included commissioning a geophysical survey of a local medieval chapel, furthering understanding of an area identified within the Welsh historic environment framework. Community benefit has also been achieved through public events, guided walks, talks and opportunities for volunteers and residents to engage directly with Gower’s landscape and heritage. These activities encourage a sense of pride in the local area while promoting greater understanding of its archaeological, historical and environmental significance. Gower Unearthed’s work therefore provides benefits beyond individual projects. It creates opportunities for learning, volunteering, community participation and intergenerational knowledge-sharing, while helping to safeguard Gower’s heritage for future generations.

Stakeholder consultation and engagement Gower Unearthed has undertaken extensive consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including local communities, schools, heritage organisations, academic partners, landowners and volunteers. Consultation has taken place through community workshops, school engagement sessions, heritage events, guided walks, oral history interviews, archaeological activities and project meetings. Key stakeholders engaged include: Local schools involved in heritage education projects and the Welsh Historic Placenames Project. Community members contributing oral histories, local knowledge and place-name information. Heritage partners including the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW), West Glamorgan Archives Service and Historic Environment partners. Universities and academic specialists supporting research and interpretation. Volunteers, Young Archaeologists’ Club members and local residents. Local landowners and community groups connected to the landscape and heritage of Gower. Feedback from stakeholders has informed project development, helped identify community priorities, shaped educational resources and supported the ongoing development of initiatives such as Gower Fern, the Historic Placenames Project and community archaeology activities. For Gower Fern specifically, I would also include your discussions with: local community members, conservation specialists, educational partners, the Oxford biodiversity/ecosystems team, visitors and participants on walks and events.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration