Conserving:

Historic Environment Action Plans

The HEAPs provide a summary of the key characteristics of the historic environment of the AONB at a landscape scale, they then set out the significance, condition and forces for change affecting the historic fabric and character of this special landscape and identify proactive actions to conserve and enhance these special characteristics.

Download An Introduction to the AONB Historic Environment Action Plans.

The process resulted in the production of an ACTION PLAN which can also be downloaded as a PDF.

The Historic Environment Action Plans were funded by English Heritage and are designed as a best practice exemplar for other protected areas.

Download A guide to Creating Historic Environment Action Plans for Protected Landscapes

The HEAPs are split into Five Sections:

  • Background - Provides an introduction to the AONB Historic Environment Action Plans and provides background information on the history and archaeology of the landscape (B1 to B10)
  • Area - Summarises key characteristics of discrete geographical areas within the AONB, they then set out the significance, condition and forces for change affecting the historic fabric and character of each area and identify proactive actions to conserve and enhance its characteristics (A1 to A12)
  • Theme - Summarises key characteristics of historic environment themes, each document then sets out the significance, condition and forces for change affecting the historic fabric and character of each theme and identify proactive actions to conserve and enhance its characteristics (T1 to T14)
  • Supplementary - A series of documents which explore supplementary issues of relevance to the Historic Environment Action Plans (S1 to S2)
  • Method - Introduces the methodology behind the production of the Historic Environment Action Plans (M1 to M3)

The HEAPs draw are based on a robust evidence base including Historic Environment Records, the AONB Historic Landscape Characterisation, and other studies and documents.

The production of the HEAPs is overseen by a dedicated implementation group.