G2: Condition of heritage features including designated geological sites and scheduled monuments

Short Description

This indicator consists of 2 measures that describe (a) the condition of geological and geomorphological (landforms and the processes which create them) heritage features of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and (b) the condition of Scheduled Monuments. Heritage features enable us to understand how our landscapes have been formed and are an important aspect of landscape character that significantly contribute to our enjoyment and appreciation of the natural beauty. We have a particular responsibility to conserve heritage features of designated sites. The indicator uses information from SSSI condition assessments and information which supports the production of Historic England’s annual Heritage at Risk Register.

All geological (including geomorphological) features designated as SSSIs have first been subject to rigorous and systematic scientific assessment leading to their selection as nationally important Geological Conservation Review (GCR) sites. As of December 2021, there were 1,150 SSSIs in England designated wholly, or in part, for their geology, encompassing 1,679 features identified through the GCR. Many SSSIs contain more than one geological heritage feature.

Monuments designated as Scheduled Monuments have been recognised by the Secretary of State as being nationally important. For a monument to be considered of national importance its surviving features, above and/or below the surface of the land or seabed, must have a particular significance that relates to its historic, traditional, architectural, artistic and/or archaeological interest. As of August 2021, there were 19,921 Scheduled Monuments in England.

Readiness and links to data

Data are available on SSSI condition assessments (as a searchable database), and as a data download of SSSI Monitored features. A programme of work was initiated in 2020, aimed at assessing the condition of previously unassessed geological features and reassessing the condition of features which have not been assessed for more than 6 years.

Data on Scheduled Monuments at risk are also available. These data have been collated over an extended time period as it is not currently possible to update them in full on a regular basis. It should be noted that during 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted upon data collection and collation, and depending on the region, site visits for assessment purposes were either not possible or very limited. Although the usual level of on-site checking of entries on, additions to and removals from the Heritage at Risk Register was not possible, desk-based assessments and updates were carried out.

Notes on indicator

The observed increase in the percentage of geological and geomorphological heritage features in favourable condition from 2019 to 2021 and the absence of any major changes to the percentage of features in the unfavourable assessment categories over the same period is largely due to the timing of data inputted since the last update of this indicator. Most new assessments in favourable condition have been included in the 2021 results, whereas most unfavourable assessments are still being finalised and have therefore not been included yet. The resulting skew towards the percentage of heritage features in favourable condition relative to those in unfavourable condition should be resolved during the next scheduled update of this indicator in 2024, and current results for the unfavourable condition categories should be treated with caution.

Data on the condition of Scheduled Monuments in this indicator are based on archaeology assessments only. As of August 2021, 842 Scheduled Monuments have additional condition assessments based on their built or structural remains; these have been omitted from this indicator.

Indicator components

Figure G2a: Condition of geological and geomorphological heritage features of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England, 2019 to 2021

Table G2a: Condition of geological and geomorphological heritage features of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in England, 2019 to 2021

Year Destroyed Favourable Partially destroyed Unassessed Unfavourable - declining Unfavourable - no change Unfavourable - recovering
2019 0.60 60.07 0.48 20.74 4.78 5.62 7.71
2021 0.60 71.59 0.54 9.11 5.48 5.60 7.09

Trend description for G2a

In total, 72% of all designated geological features have been assessed as in favourable condition as of December 2021 (a 12 percentage point increase in the equivalent figure for 2019) and a further 7% have been assessed as unfavourable but recovering. Approximately 1% have been destroyed or partially destroyed.

Assessment of change

No assessment of change was undertaken for this indicator as a suitable time series is not yet available in the Outcome Indicator Framework.

Figure G2b: Condition of Scheduled Monuments in England (based on entries with archaeological assessments), 2019 to 2021

Table G2b: Condition of Scheduled Monuments in England (based on entries with archaeological assessments), 2019 to 2021

Year Extensive significant problems Generally satisfactory but with minor localised problems Generally satisfactory but with significant localised problems Generally unsatisfactory with major localised problems Not recorded Optimal/generally satisfactory Unknown
2019 5.04 35.39 23.63 7.64 0.81 25.91 1.57
2021 4.83 35.47 23.65 7.53 1.13 25.81 1.58

Trend description for G2b

In total, 84.9% of all Scheduled Monuments with archaeological assessments are considered as being in optimal or generally satisfactory condition, whereas 12.4% are considered as either being in a generally unsatisfactory condition or having extensive significant problems. This represents no significant change from data first published in 2020.

Assessment of change

No assessment of change was undertaken for this indicator as a suitable time series is not yet available in the Outcome Indicator Framework.

Indicator Metadata