Heritage groups are calling on the British Government to secure the long-term future of important archaeological sites in the Lincolnshire Wolds. English Heritage, The National Trust, Defra and organisations including the Heritage Lottery Fund want to reduce pressures on rural historic landscapes. Together they have contributed research and analysis for the most comprehensive report ever of the state of England's rural environment, called Heritage Counts 2005. The Lincolnshire Wolds has been named as an important area which needs special attention.
     Chairman of the East Midlands Heritage Forum Dr Anthony Streeten said: "The Lincolnshire Wolds has been recognised for its legacy of prehistoric sites, wealth of historic landscape features and important ancient trackways. But it also has the most scheduled monuments at risk through arable cultivation in the region."
     By scheduled a monument, a site of national importance is legally protected. Neolithic long barrows are the oldest visible 'monuments' in the British landscape. Four fifths on Lincolnshire Wolds have already been destroyed or damaged by ploughing.
     This year's audit of the historical environment singles out areas like these as making a large contribution to our environment. Heritage Counts 2005 claims attention needs focusing on the Wolds to conserve and enhance 'this special and fascinating landscape. The Heritage Forum wants the Government to further promote access and understanding to the Wolds. Copies of Heritage Counts 2005 can be obtained from English Heritage on 0870 3331181.

Source: Louth Today (16 November 2005)