Context

Historic Environment Records (HERs) were originally known as Sites and Monument Records (SMRs) and were created in response to the loss of the archaeological resource through urban and rural development. From their original remit of recording archaeological sites, they have developed to encompass a much wider range of information about the historic environment which is reflected in the change of name from SMR to HER. The historic environment includes all aspects of our surroundings that have been built, formed or influenced by human activities from earliest to most recent times. Today HERs are information services that provide access to comprehensive and dynamic resources, forming the basis for development management and sustainable conservation. They play an important role in informing public understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment.

What are HERs?

SMRs were established from the late 1960s onwards in response to the loss of the archaeological resource through development. They developed in a fairly ad hoc manner, forming according to local circumstances, and as a result were created in different organisations – some in planning departments, some in universities, and some in museums. From their original remit of recording archaeological sites, they have developed to encompass a wide range of information about the historic environment – including the built environment and landscapes as well as below-ground remains – and this is reflected in the change of name from SMR to HER which took place from the early 2000s onwards.

An HER stores and provides access to systematically organised information about a given area. The HER consists of three main elements: a database, a Geographical Information System (GIS) and reference collections. In the early days, the database or index was often a card index, but today digital databases are used. Similarly, the mapping used to be paper based, but is now a GIS. HER reference collections usually contain both digital and hard-copy information.

An HER is maintained and updated for public benefit in accordance with national and international standards and guidance. An HER makes information accessible to all in order to:

• advance knowledge and understanding of the historic environment;
• inform its care and conservation;
• inform public policies and decision-making on land-use planning and management;
• contribute to environmental improvement and economic regeneration;
• contribute to education and social inclusion;
• encourage participation in the exploration, appreciation and enjoyment of the historic environment.

The information held in an HER provides a starting point for management processes, conservation, fieldwork and research into the historic environment. It also informs local communities about their area. Many of these activities also generate new information in the form of databases, reports and archives that can be used to enhance the HER.