People attending a farmers market in Ely, Cambridgeshire

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Heritage Counts

Heritage Counts is the annual audit of England's heritage, first produced in 2002. It is produced by Historic England on behalf of the Historic Environment Forum (HEF). The Historic Environment Forum is the high level cross-sectoral committee for England, bringing together chief executives and policy officers from public and non-government heritage bodies to co-ordinate initiatives and strengthen advocacy work and communications.

Heritage Counts consists of five separate documents, which are updated annually:

  • Heritage Counts – Annual Research Report
  • Heritage Indicators
  • Historic Environment Overview
  • Heritage and the Economy
  • Heritage and Society

These are also supplemented with regional reports and case studies.

St Giles, Norwich

2018 – Heritage in Commercial Use

Research focusing on how commercial heritage assets are constantly evolving, adapting to new uses and new occupiers.

 Walmer Castle, Walmer, Deal, Kent. The Queen Mother's Garden, view from the south.

Regional Reports

Regional Heritage Counts reports are prepared by Historic England on behalf of the Regional Historic Environment Forums.

 A woman and 2 kids on a Victorian carousel.

Heritage and Society

Enhancing our wellbeing and quality of life, improving the way places are perceived, and engaging the general public.

 Prince’s Foundation placements Tom Mott and Sam Rowland-Simms working on the roof at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Shropshire.

Heritage and the Economy

Findings from our studies of heritage and economic activity, and new research: the Heritage Economic Estimate Indicators.

 High Street West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. South east corner of High Street West including 145, view from north.

Heritage Indicators

Each year, Heritage Counts collates a large dataset of indicators which give insights into the state of the historic environment.

 Two people viewing Snodhill Castle in the mist

Historic Environment Overview

Annual overview of key developments in the heritage sector.

 Black and white photo of women working in an office, 1956.

Your Views and Questions

How to share your views and some frequently asked questions about Heritage Counts.

 Street of housing in Noel Park Conservation Area

2017 - 50 Years of Conservation Areas

Heritage Counts 2017 focused on 50 years of conservation areas.

 St Michael's Church, Glastonbury Tor, Glastonbury, Somerset. General view of ruins to tower of church, with people milling and enjoying the environment.

2016 - Heritage and Place Branding

In 2016 Heritage Counts researched the value and practice of place branding and the significant role of heritage in place brands.

 Crowd attending Festival of History with Kelmarsh Hall in the background

2015 - Local Historic Environment

In 2015 Heritage Counts looked at research on the views and experiences of those responsible for looking after the local historic environment.

 Photo of a crowded high street

2014 - Value and Impact of Heritage

In 2014 Heritage Counts looked at the social and economic value of heritage to communities, individuals and the economy

 Photo of people silhouetted against stained glass windows

2013 - Historic Environment Skills

In 2013 Heritage Counts looked at the skills within the historic environment.

 Photo of Rievaulx Abbey

2012 - Heritage and Resilience

In 2012 Heritage Counts looked at the relationship between heritage and resilience.

 Photo of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, Southwark

2011 - Big Society

In 2011 Heritage Counts looked at the historic environment and its place within communities.

 Photo of shoppers

2010 - Economic Impact

In 2010 Heritage Counts explored the economic impact of investment in the historic environment.

 Photo of a War Memorials

2009 - Sense of Place

In 2009 Heritage Counts focused on the role of the historic environment in shaping what individuals think and feel about where they live.

 Photo of Stonehenge in the snow

2008 - Climate Change

In 2008 Heritage Counts focused on how climate change is posing significant challenges for the historic environment.