Environment

The United Kingdom adopted the World Heritage Convention in 1984 and had its first seven sites inscribed on the list in 1986, including Stonehenge and Avebury, Durham Castle and Cathedral and Ironbridge Gorge. There are now 27 sites within the British Isles and UK overseas territories.

The Department of Culture Media and Sport has responsibility for overseeing the protection of UK World Heritage Sites and identifying and nominating potential sites. These can be seen by clicking here.

Each UK Site is unique with ownership and uses varying widely. Most like Saltaire are managed as a partnership and are led by the Local Planning Authority that has responsibility for controlling development in the World Heritage Site. The Local Authority World Heritage Forum (LAWHF) exists to help local authorities play their part in protecting, conserving and presenting UK World Heritage Sites. LAWHF arranges regular meetings for Councillors and Council Officers to discuss common concerns. For more information on the Local Authority World Heritage Forum, click here.

In England English Heritage is the Government's statutory adviser on the historic environment. It also provides advice and grants to owners of historic buildings and Local Planning Authorities. More information on English Heritage can be found by clicking here.

ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) is an international non-governmental organisation composed of over 80 national committees which form a worldwide alliance for the preservation of historic buildings and sites. ICOMOS is the official adviser on cultural heritage to UNESCO. Its UK committee provides advice to organisations managing UK sites and organises regular meetings to share best practice and discuss World Heritage issues. Further information on ICOMOS can be found here.