Breedon on the Hill, Leicestershire: Iron Age hillfort, partly destroyed by quarrying, with setting also very damaged Scheduled monuments are our most cherished, nationally important archaeological sites and landscapes. They include prehistoric burial mounds, stone circles and hillforts, Roman towns and villas, medieval settlements, castles and abbeys and the industrial structures of our more recent past. They are a unique inheritance that tell the story of many generations of human endeavour and life. They create our sense of time and place, and add greatly to the distinctiveness of our towns and countryside.
Although protected by law, scheduled monuments are vulnerable to a wide range of human and natural agencies. A pilot study in the East Midlands demonstrated that 527 (35%) of the region's 1493 monuments are at risk from damage, decay or loss - unless action is taken. Similar studies are now being carried out across the country, and these show that agriculture, development, the recreational use of the landscape and natural processes are the main agencies that are putting monuments at risk.
Scheduled monuments must be looked after with great care to ensure that we pass them on to future generations in good condition. When damaged or lost, they cannot be replaced. This is a huge responsibility that must be matched by a commitment of care and an appropriate level of resources and expertise.
In addition to the historic fabric of scheduled monuments, which is protected by legislation (Ancient Monument and Archaeological Areas Act 1979), there is also a compelling need to ensure that the amenity value and the setting of monuments are safeguarded - particularly by robust policies and appropriate decision-making within the context of the planning process.
English Heritage believes that concerted effort by landowners, local and national government and the organisations that make decisions about our environment can make a real difference.
