World Heritage Site
A World Heritage Site is a place designated by UNESCO to be one of the greatest cultural or natural sites of its type in the world.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation) has
been awarding World Heritage Site status to places since 1978. Some famous World
Heritage Sites are the Taj Mahal in India, the pyramids at Giza in Egypt and the
Acropolis at Athens.
Studley Royal, including the ruins of Fountains Abbey, became a World Heritage
Site in 1986 for its outstanding 18th Century landscape, 12th Century Abbey, Elizabethan Fountains Hall and Victorian St Mary’s Church which illustrate a variety of significant stages in human history.
The World Heritage Site status means they must be preserved and looked after
so your children and grandchildren can enjoy them too.
UNESCO recommends that all World Heritage Sites have a management plan. Fountains
Abbey and Studley Royal’s World Heritage Site Management Plan is currently being
updated by our World Heritage Site Management Plan Co-ordinator. (WHSMP Co-ordinator)
The new plan will guide the conservation and care of the estate for the next
six years until 2013, as well providing guidance on access. The plan contains
four key documents:
- Statement of Significance – what people value about the site and why
- Vision – long term aspirations
- 30 year management objectives – rolling aims and objectives
- 6 year action plan – Definitive actions to be taken during the plan’s cycle which sit within the objectives. To include an evaluation of the 2001 to 2007 action plan
The updating of the management plan has identified some core themes and topics,
helping to frame discussion and identify priority areas for action, these are:
- The future restoration of the garden and parkland
- Water and climate change
- Environmental practices
- Engaging people
- Sustainable management
- Protecting the setting
- Partnership working
The WHSMP Co-ordinator has undertaken consultation with partners - including
English Heritage, Natural England, Nidderdale AONB, Harrogate Borough Council - and the local community, visitors to the site, volunteers, National Trust
staff, interested organisations and other stakeholders.
People were asked for their views on what is special to them about the site and
why. The spirit of the place, its beauty, peacefulness, atmosphere and history
all featured strongly.
When asked what should be the prioritiy for the future conservation and management
of the site, 70% of people felt ‘maintaining the peaceful beauty and tranquillity of the site’ should be the top priority for the future. Conservation of the Abbey, caring
for nature and wildlife and information provided for visitors were also all key
areas the contributors wished to see prioritised in the new management plan.
The new plan will have specific objectives for the conservation of the historic
and natural environment. It will aim to develop understanding between everyone
who cares about the site and will promote opportunities for people to join in
the work of the site.
