Historic Environment Action Plans

The National Landscape Historic Environment Action Plans (HEAPs), provide a summary of the key characteristics of the historic environment of the area at a landscape scale.

The Historic Environment includes all archaeological and historic aspects of the landscape including buildings, settlements, archaeological sites, and the the wider historic landscape character.

HEAPs are based on a robust evidence base including Historic Environment Records, the National Landscape Historic Landscape Characterisation, and other studies and documents.

The summary of key characteristics are split into two parts:

  • Geographically discrete Historic Landscape Character Areas
  • National Landscape wide Historic Landscape Themes

The HEAP project provided a statement of significance for each area and theme and detail the condition and issues of the characteristics identified. The project also detailed forces for change affecting the historic characteristics of the landscape.

The Historic Environment Action Plans of Cranborne Chase National Landscape were funded by English Heritage and are designed as an example of best practice for other protected areas.

The production of the HEAPs is overseen by a dedicated steering group.

Find more information on the HEAPS Project on our dedicated Historic Landscape National Landscape Website.