As the Welsh Government's historic environment service, is charged with protecting the historic environment of Wales, and making it accessible to members of the public. To this end, in 2010–11 it identified four aspects of its work: it would take measures to conserve the heritage of Wales, its ancient buildings, and monuments; it would aim to sustain the distinctive characters of the different landscapes and urban areas; it would try to help people understand and care about their country, their locality, its history, and Wales' place in the world; and it would aim to improve the wellbeing of people in Wales.
Conservation and protection is responsible for the care and upkeep of four
World Heritage Sites in Wales: the
Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, the
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the
Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales, and the
Blaenavon Industrial Landscape. Many of these listed sites are in private ownership, but has a specific responsibility (as of 2022) for the care and upkeep of the 130 historic sites that are in state ownership, employing staff at 28 sites. Many of Wales' great
castles and other monuments, such as bishop's palaces, historic houses, and ruined
abbeys, are protected and maintained in this way, as well being opened to the public. has been appointed by the
Welsh Government and is the successor body in Wales to the
Ministry of Works. Cadw also identifies (and develops the criteria for identification) of historical assets in Wales. In 2011 there were 29,936
listed buildings in Wales; of these, 493 were the most important Grade I listed buildings, 2,124 were Grade II* and 27,319 were Grade II listed. Most of these were in private ownership. Also in Wales were 4,175
Scheduled Monuments, 6
Designated historic wrecks, and 523
Conservation Areas; these designations means that the buildings or objects concerned are protected by statute. A register of significant Welsh battlefield sites is also under preparation.
Area character studies There are 58
Historic Landscapes and 384
Historic parks and gardens in Wales. Cadw is also undertaking urban character studies of urban areas. Eight had been completed by September 2013. Combined with a register of buildings and ancient monuments at risk these aim to enable management decision making and grant allocation to strengthen the character of different areas. The five most frequently visited properties in 2010–11 were
Caernarfon Castle (192,695 visits),
Conwy Castle (190,031 visits),
Caerphilly Castle (94,707 visits),
Harlech Castle (93,242 visits) and
Beaumaris Castle (80,660 visits). To provide a better context for the history of Wales, in 2010–11 Cadw was developing thematic 'All Wales Interpretation Plans', that could develop themes across numerous sites and localities. There were eight themes: • Origins and prehistory. • Roman invasion and settlement. • Celtic saints and pilgrimage. • Churches, chapels and monastic landscapes. • Castles and Princes of Medieval Wales. • Artistic responses to the landscape. • The Defence of the Realm – Pembrokeshire. • Wales – the first industrial nation. ==Membership==