The contribution made by the voluntary sector to protecting the historic environment in Wales, supporting sustainable communities, delivering regeneration and informing policy development through grassroots projects is not yet fully realised. In part this may be because there is no official network wide enough to represent the heritage sector in Wales in its broadest form and co-ordinate activity at various levels which would give the voluntary sector a stronger voice in determining need at a government level and help to broker solutions.
An initial small steering group consisting of the Civic Trust Wales, the National Trust Wales, the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and WCVA is keen to develop this idea in consultation with the sector across Wales. The aims and objectives of such a network might be to provide information and networking opportunities to all voluntary sector groups in Wales with broad heritage interests; provide a point for sharing good practice and building capacity within the heritage sector; inform and facilitate policy development at a local and governmental level; be a co-ordinating body, acting as a further resource to the Historic Environment Group that advises the Heritage Minister.
The group is interested in comments, suggestions and ideas as to how this new network could operate in Wales. If you live or work in Wales or just have an interest in the welfare of heritage, then please forward your thoughts to the Welsh Heritage Network Steering Group at mail@walesheritagenetwork.org.uk
