The Welsh counterpart of English Heritage is called Cadw. Its name conveys its purpose in the simplest and most direct way: Cadw is Welsh for "care". However, Cadw's work is hampered by the fact that it is a far less independent body than English Heritage and cannot speak out publicly on conservation issues, let alone mount vociferous campaigns. Given the serious plight of many historic buildings in Wales, ranging from churches and chapels to industrial sites such as collieries and former iron works, Cadw must be given greater scope for direct action and public leadership by reconstitution under independent commissioners. It could then take the lead in addressing the serious challenges facing Welsh conservation. Amongst the most urgent of these are the failure of some authorities to uphold conservation legislation; the widespread and devastating damage done to vernacular architecture by house improvement grants; and the chronic under use of enforcement action on empty and neglected historic buildings.