Heritage and Society, the first product of Heritage Counts 2016, was published online on 23 May by Historic England (HE), presenting facts and figures which illustrate the benefits the historic environment brings to society.
Heritage Counts is an annual survey of the state of England’s historic environment. It is produced by Historic England on behalf of the Historic Environment Forum. It is the annual audit of the historic environment and includes a policy review, themed research and the annual indicators.
Each year Heritage Counts explores the social and economic role of the historic environment and focuses on a different theme: this year ‘heritage and society’.
Among the many wider benefits which the historic environment brings, to our lives, the Heritage Counts finds that heritage:
- Plays an important part in our wellbeing and quality of life – 93% of residents say that local heritage has an impact on their personal quality of life.
- Improves places – 80% of people think local heritage makes their area a better place to live.
- Engages young people – Almost 2 million children visited a historic property as part of a school trip.
- Is viewed positively by the general public – Nearly all adults (95%) agree or strongly agree that it is important to them that heritage buildings and places are well looked after.
Heritage Counts states:
‘A 2010 on-street survey in places which had seen significant historic environment led regeneration found that over 90% agreed that investment in the historic environment had resulted in a nicer place in which to live, work and socialise, as well as creating a more attractive visitor destination.’
Read the Heritage and Society report
