The historic environment is defined as all aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains of past human activity, whether visible or buried, and deliberately planted or managed flora.

The 'historic environment' is defined as ‘all aspects of the environment resulting from the interaction between people and places through time, including all surviving physical remains of past human activity, whether visible or buried, and deliberately planted or managed flora.’

The historic environment shapes landscape character and helps us to understand the origins and significance of our landscape. It therefore provides important information on how the landscape needs to be managed.

The historic environment can be seen everywhere, from the use of natural resources for building or industry through to settlement patterns, military defences and sea and land management practices. It provides a wide range of tangible and intangible benefits. For instance, it contributes to the tourist economy, local distinctiveness, and senses of place and of community.