ABSTRACT
Recognising the role and potential of communities in conservation practice is vital: from constructing the values that make a place important, to protecting it for future generations to enjoy. Community-led conservation can help shape identities, distinguish sense of place and retain traditional craft skills. There is a growing body of research which demonstrates how volunteering and participation can contribute towards personal development, wellbeing and happiness. In Conservation Principles: Policies and Guidance for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment, Historic England sets out its ‘approach to making decisions and offering guidance about all aspects of the historic environment, and for reconciling its protection with the economic and social needs and aspirations of the people who live in it’ (English Heritage 2008: 13). Emphasis on public participation is prominent in the principles which underpin this approach:
Principle 1: The historic environment is a shared resource. Principle 2: Everyone should be able to participate in sustaining the historic
environment.
