Devon ranks highly for recognising heritage value

Devon ranks highly within the UK for recognising the immense value and potential for learning from its many unique heritage sites, according to a new report.

Britain’s heritage is much-loved but its value and potential is being underused in some places, says the independent RSA think-tank in association with the Heritage Lottery Fund, in a new heritage index published last week, (23 September 2015).

Devon is among all 379 local authority areas in England, Scotland and Wales that have been ranked for their heritage assets – built, archaeological, cultural and natural – the levels of activity in each area, such as museum visits and volunteering, and the potential for more to be made of these opportunities.

Exeter, West Devon and the South Hams score highly, in the top 15 per cent recognised for making the most of their heritage sites, while North Devon and East Devon also score well, among the top 25 per cent.

Bill Horner, Devon County Council’s County Archaeologist, said: “Devon is incredibly rich in its heritage. With such a diverse range of historically significant sites, from the prehistoric monuments of Dartmoor to the industrial archaeology of the Tamar Valley, and with stunning designated coasts and uplands.”

To find out more, read the RSA report.

To find out more about the work of the Council’s Historic Environment team, visit their webpage.

Photo: Bluebells at Blackbury Iron Age Hill Fort © Copyright Sarah Charlesworth and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.