Vale of Pickering Statement of Significance Project undertaken for English Heritage (Yorkshire and Humber Region). Dr Louise Cooke, Old Bridge Barn, Yedingham, Malton, North Yorkshire.
[email protected]. 1 Contents Introduction 3 Summary Statement of Significance 5 Summary 12 Landscape Description 16 Evidential Value 19 Historical Value 27 Natural Value 45 Aesthetic Value 51 Communal Value 54 At Risk Statement 59 What Next? 64 List of individuals and organisations consulted for the production of the document 65 Directory of organisations with interests in the Vale of Pickering 65 Bibliography 67 List of photographs 68 2 Introduction The Vale of Pickering Historic Environment Management Framework Project was initiated by English Heritage (Yorkshire and Humber Region) in response to a number of factors and issues: The immediate problems raised by the desiccation of the peats at the eastern end of the Vale, at the Early Mesolithic site of Star Carr, The realisation that the exceptional archaeological landscape identified between Rillington and Sherburn cannot adequately be managed through current approaches to designation. The incremental increase in the number of agencies and projects with an interest in the Vale but little concerted action or agreement about the qualities that make the Vale of Pickering a unique landscape. The need for an agreed, clear statement on the special character, qualities and attributes of the Vale which can be incorporated into policy documents For English Heritage this Statement of Significance is the first stage in developing an overall strategy for the Vale of Pickering. Once this document has been agreed and „endorsed‟ by its partners and co-contributors, the intention is that it will be followed by an „Action Plan‟ that will: Illustrate how the special qualities of the Vale can be enhanced through specific projects Seek funding for and propose specific projects and initiatives.