We Are Site Managers International Symposium
1st to 5th March 2024, Penang, Malaysia World Heritage Site coordinator/managers are the frontliners of the UNESCO 1972 Convention with…
Read moreWhat we do
Welcome to the website for World Heritage UK, an organisation set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion for the UK’s 33 outstanding World Heritage Sites, and the Tentative List Sites progressing towards WHS status.
World Heritage Sites are places from all around the world that are considered so important for the shared understanding and future of our planet we should look after them forever. There are more than 1100 Sites globally, some are natural like the Great Barrier Reef or the Serengeti, and many are man-made like Stonehenge or the Taj Mahal. World Heritage Sites are identified by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), but looked after locally.
Our Vision
Our Vision is that the United Kingdom will have a coherent approach to World Heritage Sites that is better known and understood, and supported through sustainable funding, so that the Outstanding Universal Values of the Sites can provide inspiration, learning and enjoyment for society and contribute to the UK’s standing in the world.
More about our strategyOur Mission
Our Mission is to raise the profile and secure the future of the UK collection of World Heritage Sites by advocating for support, resources and recognition, facilitating learning and networking, and promoting the Sites and their values.
UK World Heritage Sites
The UK currently has 33 World Heritage Sites and more sites progressing towards World Heritage Site status. All of them contribute to the story of humankind and our planet.
They stretch across the whole of the UK and beyond to our Overseas Territories and cover geology, the natural world and all aspects of our history from prehistory to the 20th Century. Explore each of our UK World Heritage Sites and how to find out more here.
All UK World Heritage sitesMembership with World Heritage UK
World Heritage UK is by, of and for all the UK’s World Heritage Sites and Tentative List Sites.
World Heritage UK is a membership organisation, formally known as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Its voting members set the strategy for the organisation. We invite any individual or organisation with an interest in World Heritage to join us.
Our strength lies in the fact that the majority of the UK’s World Heritage Sites are represented in our membership giving us the collective power to represent you at the highest level and speak for the UK’s World Heritage Sites.
Whether you are responsible for the management of a World Heritage Site, volunteer for an organisation in a World Heritage Site or have a professional or academic interest, we welcome you to join us and show your support for World Heritage in the UK. We have three levels of membership currently. See below to find out more.
Download membership brochure More about MembershipsLatest news
UNESCO’s update on climate action for World Heritage
At their November General Assembly in Paris, UNESCO adopted an Updated Policy Document on climate action for World Heritage,. The…
Read moreNew toolkit underway for climate action in UNESCO World Heritage sites – call for case studies
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre and the three Advisory Bodies – ICCROM, ICOMOS and IUCN – are developing their first…
Read moreWorld Heritage Nomination Guide published to support Ireland’s heritage ambitions
Ireland’s National Monuments Service, based in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has published ‘A Guide to World…
Read moreCromford Waterpower Project
The Arkwright Society’s waterpower project at Derwent Valley Mills WHS aims to reduce the WHS’ carbon footprint by putting waterpower…
Read moreRealising the Potential of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Derwent Valley to Advance the 2030 Agenda
A dissertation written by Manfred Kyenkyehene Osei, University of Nottingham. This research explores how local communities might play a critical…
Read moreEvents
Our events programme for 2023 is currently in development. We will announce our programme of in-person, hybrid and online events as they are confirmed.
Why not sign up to our Newsletter on this page to ensure you are kept up to date with developments.
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