History hunters are wanted to take part in an archaeological dig on the world-famous Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site
Hafod Copper Works
The Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust, working with Swansea Council and Swansea University, is running a community excavation there from Wednesday May 29 to Tuesday June 11.
Experts will be uncovering the early 19th Century canal basin on site where barges once unloaded coal brought down from the collieries directly into the copperworks.
The canal basin, filled in at the start of the 20th Century, has now completely disappeared from view.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We’re making fantastic progress alongside Swansea University on plans to preserve and celebrate the historic Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site.
“Work has already started on a scheme that will eventually lead to a mixed-use, heritage-led destination, but it’s important we do all we can now to uncover some of the site’s lost history so its story can be shared with generations to come.
“The excavation event starting on site later this month will allow people to be guided by expert archaeologists and dig up a little bit of their community’s rich history for themselves. This is why I’d encourage people from the Hafod and Swansea Valley areas in particular to get in touch if they’d like to take part.”
Swansea Council has now signed a 15-year agreement with Swansea University that will see experts from both organisations working together on a project that will bring the site back into sustainable use.
The project will aim to generate a new destination in an historic environment on site that would include business space, educational, hotel and residential uses.
Funding from the Welsh Government’s Regeneration Area programme, Cadw’s Heritage Tourism Grant scheme and Swansea Council means regeneration specialists Groundwork Bridgend-Neath-Port Talbot have now started a first phase of works on site. This includes clearing overgrown vegetation to make existing buildings more visible, stabilising key features and putting in signage and trails for visitors.
Contact Jan Bailey on janet@ggat.org.uk or 01792 634236 if you’re over 18 and interested in volunteering for the community excavation.
