Historic Environment – Living Landscape

The countryside is England ’s best loved asset. Its beauty, character and diversity are deeply cherished. It is a place of work and sustenance, an inspiration for generations of artists and writers, and now increasingly a place of recreation.

The historic dimension to the rural landscape is the key to its distinctiveness. Every corner of England has been settled, farmed or altered in some way. The result is a vivid record of thousands of years of interaction between people and their environment.

The countryside has always been a living, working place and change has always happened there. However, for change to occur for the better in future, what has gone before should be respected. The historic environment comprises all those buildings, places and landscapes that are rich in historic character – from timber-framed buildings to medieval parklands. Many of these places face new challenges in the 21st century. We need to protect and understand their significance and value for the benefit of future generations.

The historic environment creates jobs, attracts businesses and can even kick-start the regeneration of run-down areas.

Heritage promotes recreation, education and volunteering.

Unfortunately, many historic places continue to suffer from a lack of protection and inadequate maintenance. Resources to assist owners of historic places are still scarce. In recent years, there has been an increase in the funding available to help communities and farmers care for their environment, but this alone might not be enough, particularly as agricultural incomes are continuing to fall.

Heritage and nature conservation need to be managed in a more integrated way to maximise the benefits for everyone. New uses need to be found for threatened historic buildings, and public access, understanding and enjoyment of the rural heritage need to be extended and enhanced.