Historic Environment - Threats & Challenges

Development pressures

The historic environment should be considered in all proposals for development.  All development has the potential to damage this important and finite resource.  The Unitary Development Plan provides the framework for proposals for development, that may have an impact on archaeology and the historic environment within the AONB.  Opportunities to record and enhance the historic environment should be considered in all land use and management practices within the AONB.

Impact of recreation and leisure activities

Changes in the way the countryside is used for leisure and sport may place increased pressure on the historic environment.

Portable antiquities

In order to maintain a true record and understanding of the historic environment, all finds should be recorded.

Farming and forestry practices

Some farming and forestry operations can damage the historic environment.  This includes, for example, deep sloughing and plantation forestry.  We need greater undersanding of the impact of these activities on the historic environment.  Education also has a role, to encourage sympathetic land management such as agri-environment schemes, and non-cultivation in areas of high historic environment importance.

Sustainability

The needs of the historic environment must be considered in all proposals for change, in order to retain the 'time depth' (a legacy of the activities of people throughout history) of the landscape for future generations.

Climate change and coastal erosion

Increased erosion as a result of changing weather patterns and the impact of sea level rise, can lead to exposed archaeology and palaeoenvironments.  Our knowledge of these assets will soon be lost if they are not recorded.

Skills and resource shortages

Funding for the recording and management of the historic environment is required, if we are to ensure that its continuing contribution to the landscape and the AONB's sense of place is retained.

Awareness and intellectual access

More and more information is being compiled about the archaeology and historic environment of the AONB.  We need to find ways to involve the community in this, and to allow this resource to influence policy and land management in the future.  The landscape character of the AONB is rich in history.  Promoting this as a fundamental element of the quality and enjoyment of today's AONB, will help us to secure support for its protection, conservation and celebration.

Incomplete records/knowledge of the resource

It must be acknowledged that there will always be an incomplete record of the historic environment.  Developing a research framework can help identify strategic ways to address the gaps in our knowledge.  Good quality and reliable baseline data is essential, if we are to understand the impact of activities that threaten the historic environment within the AONB.

Agencies and utilities

Permitted development rights afforded to agencies and utilities, often allow works to take place without prior consultation.  Public bodies whose activities may have an impact on the historic environment, now have a statutory duty of regard towards the AONB.  This will encourage such bodies to enter into early informal consultation prior to undertaking works.