'At risk' historic barrows near Studland saved as more than 200 Dorset sites also in ruin

Historic England has revealed the historic sites most at risk of being lost forever as a result of neglect, decay or inappropriate development by publishing the Heritage at Risk Register 2020.

The register provides an annual snapshot of the critical health of England’s most valued historic places, and those most at risk of being lost.

Over the last year, 53 historic buildings and sites in the South West have been saved thanks to the determination of local communities, charities, owners, local councils and Historic England, who together want to see historic places restored and brought back to life.

One of those includes Barrows near Studland after National Trust volunteers completed the final phase of a six-year project to protect a group of bell barrows standing several metres high on the Purbeck Heaths in autumn 2019. 

Bell barrows are earlier and rarer than the more common bowl barrows, making the survival of this group important. 

The monuments had previously been damaged as a result of scrub growth and, in one case, by burrowing animals, which led them to be on the Heritage at Risk Register.

Volunteers working on barrow. Picture: National Trust

In 2013, Natural England gave the National Trust funding for heathland restoration - scrub growth was cleared, and the barrows which had not been damaged by animals were meshed to prevent further problems to undisturbed archaeology. 

The work was carried out under the supervision of National Trust archaeologists and created an ideal natural habitat as well as protecting this important group of barrows. They were removed from the Register this year.

Dorset has 262 'at risk' sites, which include 230 archalogy sites, 24 buildings or structures, five places of worship, two conservation areas and one park and garden.

A spokeswoman for Historic England said the year has been 'challenging' but noted looking after and investing in historic places that 'help to define our collective identity is key to the country’s economic recovery.'

She added: "The buildings and places rescued from the Heritage at Risk Register can help level up economic opportunity, support skilled local construction jobs, build resilience in private and public organisations and boost tourism."

Historic places have also provided an anchor for local communities during these uncertain times caused by the coronavirus pandemic, as 80 per cent of residents believe local heritage makes their area a better place to live.

How the Bell Barrows look after being restored. Picture: National Trust

It can also help support community resilience, instill pride and build confidence that communities can ‘build back better’.  

Rebecca Barrett, Historic England’s Regional Director in the South West said: "In challenging times such as these, heritage can provide a sense of continuity and bring us solace.

"We also know that investing in historic places can help boost our economic recovery. The 53 places rescued from the register this year show us that real progress is being made – sites lovingly rescued and brought back into use as new homes, businesses and community spaces.

"But there is still a long way to go and many more historic buildings and places which need the right care and attention, funding, partnerships and community support to give them a brighter future."