East Midlands historic monuments saved by green schemes
24 August 2010
More than 240 historic monuments across the East Midlands are being protected by farmers through Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship (ES) schemes, according to a recent report.
The Heritage at Risk Register, produced by English Heritage, details how the scheduled monuments, formerly at risk of damage, have been entered into ES and consequently been taken out of cultivation or had their protection enhanced.
Recent examples of how ES schemes have helped protect scheduled monuments across the East Midlands include:
Lincolnshire: HLS has helped fund repairs to Castle Bytham in South Kesteven, the once powerful castle of the Earls of Aumale, thought to have been built in the 11th century, was besieged by Henry III in the 13th century, and burnt during the Wars of the Roses. The site’s archaeological features, such as its surface traces of stone buildings are being conserved and protected through controlling tree and shrub growth. Landowner, Mr Ronald Crawford, said: “Natural England advised me how to protect this precious monument and provided funding to do this. They helped me to introduce cattle grazing onto the land in order to create an ideal habitat for a variety of species. Now the castle looks really good – it’s an asset to the farm.”
Northamptonshire: Sulby Abbey Farm in Daventry has benefitted from HLS funding. The Premonstratensian abbey was founded in 1155 by William de Wideville and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The site’s archaeological features, such as its earthwork and buried remains of the enclosures, fishponds, watermill and warren are being conserved and protected through controlling tree and shrub growth on the features.
Nottinghamshire: Last year HLS helped fund repairs to Beeston Lodge in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham, believed to have been the gatehouse of Clipstone Peel. The peel (a wooden palisade with external ditch and gates) was built in January 1317 deep in the midst of Sherwood Forest. It contained a gatehouse, hall, royal chamber, chapel, bakehouse, grange and animal sheds and was demolished many years ago. Thanks to Natural England, the site has been converted to protected grassland, in order to prevent damage to the remains.
Leicestershire: Woodhead Castle in Rutland, is being saved by a scheme. A Scheduled Ancient Monument with a medieval moat, bailey and fishpond, the castle is said to have been visited by King Edward I in 1290. Natural England is ensuring that this valuable piece of history is being protected through its HLS scheme. Landowner, Richard Lamb, said: “Natural England has provided me with some additional income to protect the monument. In addition to funding a fence to be built around the castle, the scheme has also helped to bring sheep to graze the land around it. The castle has now become a great talking point for our farm walks.”
Derbyshire: Last year, HLS funded repairs to Fin Cop in Derbyshire. Fin Cop is an Iron Age hill fort, which was badly mutilated by quarrying and agriculture. The Longstone Local History Society carried out a community archaeological excavation, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Now managed under Natural England’s HLS scheme, precious archaeological features such as the fort’s stone-built rampart are now being protected under the scheme.
Elaine Willett, Natural England Historic Environment Adviser for the East Midlands, concluded: “Every farm has played its part in the history of this country and many still bear fascinating traces of the past. The Heritage at Risk Register has proved to be a valuable tool for Natural England in helping to target scheduled monuments for Stewardship and I’m delighted that Natural England is able to support the many efforts that farmers are making to safeguard these monuments for future generations.”
Vince Holyoak, Senior Policy Adviser for English Heritage, comments: “Finding sustainable long-term solutions through working with owners and third partners, notably the Environmental Stewardship scheme with Natural England, has produced remarkable success.”
“The importance of archaeological sites as part of our heritage is immeasurable and their urgent needs must not be ignored. The Heritage at Risk Register equips us well to continue rescuing England's most ancient historic remains for the future and we will do all we can to avoid this year's success rate from slowing down or even being reversed.”
Natural England offers a range of options under Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), which can be used to manage and protect archaeological sites, whether under cultivation or threatened by scrub, tree growth, erosion or animal burrowing.
These options, outlined in Natural England’s Farming for the Historic Environment leaflet, also enable farmers to maintain traditional farm buildings and boost their business. In addition, Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) can fund capital repairs to eligible standing structures and historic buildings.
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Notes to editors:
For further information, please email Charlene Kumar, Natural England Communications Adviser, or call 0300 060 2828 or 07747761210. Read our press releases
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Environmental Stewardship
Environmental Stewardship is a Government-funded scheme open to all farmers, which funds the delivery of environmental benefits through agriculture. The scheme aims to conserve wildlife, maintain and enhance our landscape quality and character, protect our natural resources, and promote public access to the countryside. The schemes are open to all land owners and have a variety of options to suit all farm types, sizes and locations.
Further information about Environmental Stewardship and how to apply can be found on our website.
Farming for the Historic Environment is available to download here.
The Heritage at Risk Register was published by English Heritage in July and can be viewed on their website.
Visit English Heritage’s website to find out further information about:
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
About HLS schemes
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas. It involves more complex environmental management, so land managers will need advice and support.
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