On behalf of the Historic Environment Forum

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.

2018 – Heritage in Commercial Use

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

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

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

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

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

How to share your views and some frequently asked questions about Heritage Counts.
2017 - 50 Years of Conservation Areas

Heritage Counts 2017 focuses on 50 years of conservation areas.
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.
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.
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
2013 - Historic Environment Skills

In 2013 Heritage Counts looked at the skills within the historic environment.
2012 - Heritage and Resilience

In 2012 Heritage Counts looked at the relationship between heritage and resilience.
2011 - Big Society

In 2011 Heritage Counts looked at the historic environment and its place within communities.
2010 - Economic Impact

In 2010 Heritage Counts explored the economic impact of investment in the historic environment.
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.
2008 - Climate Change

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