This year ‘Heritage Counts’ looks at the historic environment and its place within communities, how it brings people together and acts as a catalyst for involvement in shaping our local areas. It also highlights the importance of non-state organisations in maintaining and promoting the historic environment.
Three new pieces of research were commissioned to further understand the historic environment within civic society.
Two projects from Civic Voice and The Heritage Alliance look at current activities undertaken by organisations and groups working within the historic environment to help strengthen communities, shape local areas, and maintain our historic places. Take a look at our case studies page to find out more about the current activities undertaken by the heritage sector.
The third project looks at the barriers to ongoing community involvement in local heritage issues and the potential solutions for increasing engagement. As a result it produced an online checklist or guide which local heritage and community organisations can use to strengthen links to the wider community; an issue which is set to increase in importance under the Localism Bill. To view this checklist, please visit the Increasing Community Involvement in Heritage page.
All three projects are summarised in the national ‘Heritage Counts’ report and are outlined below, including the full research reports to accompany the three projects.
Civic Voice undertook an online survey exploring the activities and responsibilities of civic volunteers and societies and their ongoing support needs. These organisations will be very important source for community involvement as the planning reforms come into place. Key findings include:
- 96% have written to their local authority
- 85% of civic societies have responded to planning applications in the last 12 months
- 73% have organised lectures and public events
However:
- Only 14% of existing members are active volunteers
- Five out of six members are over the age of 55
Civic Voice and the wider heritage sector will be using these results to help ensure that civic societies are effectively supported going forward.
The results from the survey are below:
The Heritage Alliance undertook a survey of its members to understand further the importance and position of the historic environment and its organisations within civic society.
The results are being used by The Heritage Alliance to help develop their forward strategy.
Key results include:
- 48% offer outreach or community services which educate people about the historic environment
- 46% provide advice and guidance for local groups on planning issues
- One in four provide advice to local groups managing local assets or services
The Heritage Alliance research reports: