Why is British Heritage important?

Britain has a lot of historical value from the buildings, sites and landscapes. The important value it has tells a national story to everyone, it shows how the communities and their identities can create a sense of place. This is being supported by the years of encouraging tourism, creating jobs and providing places for people to live and work. Heritage has always been an important contributor to the growth in the UK.

But now much of this heritage has either completely gone or is at current risk of damage/destruction. It could be sudden or catastrophic effects, as this would affect the distinctiveness, character and appeal of either the places that these communities care about. Many aspects such as erosion, climate change, crime or poor development can cause any kind of damage. This kind of neglect and decline can start with abandonment, maintenance and repair.

This historic heritage is a very precious resource that is at the heart of all local communities as it can provide a sense of place and storytelling. But all heritages can be fragile and easily damaged. If any kind of historical heritage is lost, it can’t be replaced. The National Heritage Protection Plan works to ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate and enjoys this inheritance.

Knitting is an important heritage as it preserves and promotes long established techniques. More and more long serving designers and new and up coming designers are basing collections, fabric, art into timeless traditional knits, for example the British Isles where they might create a modern twist with the traditional patterns to suit the current style. Most of the communities’ favorite patterns that they have used for seen are Fair Isle, Aran, Shetland Lace, Sanquhar and Fishermen’s Ganseys. 

There is a plan that is currently being run called The National Heritage Protection Plan. This plan is a major strategy that identifies parts of England’s Heritage that matter to the communities who are at great risk and they concentrate on the efforts of saving them.

There are various public, commercial and voluntary organizations that ensure the heritage is well cared for, appreciated and enjoyed. The NHPP has always encouraged providing a common framework with all heritage organizations.

English Heritage devised this organization. Their plan is to help English Heritage work more effectively with more organizations like the National Trust and Heritage Lottery Fund.