Heritage Act

Two women having a conversation in a park. One woman is wearing a purple coat and hat and the other a blue raincoat.

In 2023, we’re marking the 40th anniversary of the National Heritage Act (1983) and the Register of Parks and Gardens.

In 1983, our nationally and internationally important park and garden heritage was listed for the first time, the aim of which was to encourage the maintenance, repair and conservation of historic parks and gardens.

Historic England maintain this Register and advises on planning applications that affect the outstanding parks and gardens. The Gardens Trust is consulted for its expertise on applications affecting all registered sites.

To mark the act, over the coming months we’ll be sharing the work we do to protect historic parks and gardens.

Read more about the history of the Act in our article by Jenifer White, Former Principle National Landscapes Advisor for Historic England, here.