Green Heritage Site Assessment Criteria
Judges will look at the extent to which applicants:
• understand the heritage value of the site.
• acknowledge the heritage value of the site.
• share the heritage value of the site.
• conserve, enhance and help people enjoy the heritage value of the site.
Understanding the heritage value of the site
To maintain a good quality historic green space it is essential to understand the historic development of the site, in terms of its landscape, the way it is used and what people feel about it. This information should have been gathered through a research programme that identifies, describes, analyses and records:
Social chronology of the site from pre-formation to present day
Overall description and assessment of the site’s historic character and identification of the features which give that character including geological or archaeological features.
Maps identifying the location of features of historic interest in and around the site, and their relationship to the views into and out of the site
Landscape evolution, design intention and original layout; changes to the design; views and vistas including those intended, existing or lost; circulation routes; disposition of trees and shrubs, grass and water and their relation to each other
Analysis of design style of buildings and other built structures
Analysis of design style and disposition of planting including selection of tree and shrub species
This information should be gathered together in a report, which may be called a Conservation Plan, Restoration Plan or Conservation Management Plan. The Plan should be, or be combined with, a working document in managing the heritage aspects of the site and research should not stop once the Plan has been produced.
Acknowledging the heritage value of the site
The detailed research contained in the Conservation Plan is only of value if managers, staff and contractors are made aware of, and able to understand, the importance of the site’s heritage and why it is worth conserving. The overall management plan should highlight the key historical facts of the Conservation Plan.
Once the heritage value of the site has been established and recorded in appropriate plans, it is important that this value is recognised by the council (or other provider) and the statutory agencies and other interested parties. Acknowledgement of the heritage value of the site may be demonstrated by:
• Formal adoption of the Conservation Plan by the council (or other provider)
• Inclusion and explicit mention of the site in protective Local Plan policies for historic sites
• Notification to English Heritage to see if the site merits inclusion in the national Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England; and to the Department of Archaeology at the University of York for possible inclusion on the UK Database of Historic Parks and Gardens
• Inclusion in any local list of sites of historic importance, or using the historical information to justify setting up such a list
• Review of unlisted buildings on or around the site to see if they merit addition to the lists
• Inclusion of the site in an adjacent conservation area or making the site a conservation area in its own right
• Dissemination of research findings to the local ‘Friends of’ group (if one does not exist, you may wish to set one up); interested amenity groups, e.g. the Garden History Society, the local Civic Society and conservation societies, local history societies and archaeology groups, county garden trusts and wildlife trusts.
Sharing the heritage value of the site – interpretation
Members of the public may have provided much of the historical information contained in the Conservation Plan and they will want the results of their efforts to be broadcast. If investment and management proposed for a site are to be supported by the public, it is essential that the site’s history and role in the past and present cultural life of the area be appreciated. Telling and sharing a site’s history and its cultural significance may be achieved through:
• Interpretation panels
• Talks and guided walks by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff
• Guide books, explanatory leaflets, tapes and videos
• Exhibitions and events
• Educational programme including school visits and links with further education establishments, amenity groups and local history societies
• Newsletters, annual reports and council committee papers
• Engagement of volunteers in celebrating the heritage value of the site
• Raising public awareness through the press, television and radio.
In addition there should be a feedback mechanism that enables the applicant to ascertain whether the amount, depth and quality of information are right and also to encourage the public to come forward with more information.
Conserving, enhancing and enjoying the heritage value of the site
Conserving a site of historic value requires a blend of skills, including historic conservation, arboriculture, horticulture, ecology and landscape design. The ultimate test of whether a site should become a Green Heritage Site will depend on how well its heritage value has been conserved and enhanced, and how much people understand and enjoy the site’s historic character, appearance and features.
What judges will be looking for here is how well the heritage assets of the site are performing. It is important that, as well as an appreciation of the site’s historic appearance, the historic features and facilities continue to play a role in the present life of the site. An assessment of the site’s performance in heritage terms will include an appraisal of the condition and use of historic features, e.g.:
• Are repair and maintenance of historic buildings and structures carried out to appropriate conservation standards?
• Are the right materials used in the right way to conserve historic character?
• Are unique historical features given extra care and prominence, for example by drawing particular attention to them by the way they are maintained and presented? Is there evidence of pride in having these assets?
• Are efforts made to retain or replace ornamental detailing on buildings and other infrastructure?
• Do replacement and new features and furniture conserve or enhance the site’s historic character or appearance?
• Are buildings, monuments and memorials used as the focus for cultural activities?
• Do the style and standard of horticultural displays harmonize with, or enhance, the site’s historic character? Do choice and location of tree and shrub species and cultivars strengthen the historic character?
• Are efforts made to provide for continuity in and enhancement of historic collections of (often exotic) trees and shrubs?
• Are there plans to remove or re-site discordant features, e.g. poorly located trees and shrubs, and poorly sited and designed ‘improvements’ that detract from the site’s heritage value?