Foot and Mouth Disease

Following the case of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Surrey on 12 September 2007 Defra has advised that footpaths will be closed in the Protection Zone (http://www.defra.gov.uk/footandmouth).

Rights of way and other access arrangements elsewhere remain open and available for use.  Defra is emphasising that “the countryside remains open. There is no need for people to stop visiting the countryside…”

All English Heritage sites remain open as normal. There are no restrictions on non-agricultural vehicle movements in the Protection Zone.  Please follow any local advice from Defra should it be posted in the area.

English Heritage will continue to monitor advice from Defra and will update our advice as necessary.

Guidance on disinfecting historic buildings affected by FMD

The document Gently Does It (prepared in 2001) provides guidance to farmers, contractors, officials and historic environment professionals involved in carrying out or advising on Foot and Mouth related cleansing and disinfection procedures.

What's New?

  • Britain was the world’s first industrial nation and has a wealth of industrial heritage but many industrial sites have been lost or are at risk due to functional redundancy. English Heritage's survey has shown that the percentage of listed industrial buildings at risk is three times greater than the national average for listed buildings at risk.
  • The value of a well managed, protected and appreciated historic environment to both our quality of life and to the economy is well established. Heritage tourism contributes £20.6 billion to GDP a year whilst research shows that 93% of people think that in improving their local place it is important to save heritage assets.