The Historic Environment Team of North Yorkshire County Council is part of the Countryside Service, Economic and Rural Services. The team can provide archaeological information and advice; it does not offer fieldwork services.

The historic environment of North Yorkshire has been created over many centuries of human activity, from early prehistoric occupation and burials around 10,000 years ago through to military remains of the 20th century. It also includes historic buildings, designed landscapes and battlefields. These remains are present both above ground as standing buildings and earthworks and below ground as archaeological remains.

These remains are fragile, and once damaged or destroyed, cannot be replaced. Our historic environment provides us with attractive towns, villages and countryside in which to live and work. This enhances our quality of life and gives us a sense of place and identity. It also provides a resource for education and tourism. It is important, therefore, to preserve our heritage for future generations.

Using the navigation links on the left hand side of this page, you can find more information about the work that we do and the services we offer.

Rural archaeology

Advice is available to farmers, landowners and agents on managing the historic environment in situations where development is not involved, for example when grants are being sought for new tree planting from the Forestry Authority or Environmental Stewardship from Natural England.

We can help to ensure the best options are chosen for specific sites to maximise grant aid and avoid potential conflicts between different environmental needs.

Countryside You can find out more about countryside services by following this link.

Useful downloads Historic Environment Services leaflet [390kb] Leaflet with information about the work of the Historic Environment Team Historic Environment Record leaflet [629kb] Leaflet giving information about the North Yorkshire Historic Environment Record Richmondshire - Stanwick [302kb] This document details the Stanwick walk   Weblinks Please note: All external websites open in a new browser window. North Yorkshire County Council is not responsible for the content of external websites. The Heritage Gateway This website is being developed to provide a virtual national monuments record with access to local and national historic environment data. Institute for Archaeologists This is a link to the website of the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA), the professional organisation for archaeologists in the United Kingdom. Council for British Archaeology The Council for British Archaeology is a national organisation which supports and promotes the involvement of non-professionals in archaeology, and campaigns for better protection for the historic environment as a whole. English Heritage English Heritage exists to protect and promote England's spectacular historic environment and ensure that its past is researched and understood. Archaeology Data Service (ADS) The ADS supports research, learning and teaching with high quality and dependable digital resources. Portable Antiquities Scheme The Portable Antiquities Scheme is a voluntary scheme to record archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. This website provides background information on the Portable Antiquities Scheme, news articles, events listings an Historic Environment Local Management. Information and guidance on management of the historic environment. Includes downloadable documents in the Farming the Historic Landscape series. Archaeology - frequently asked questions Who carries out archaeological work? What kinds of archaeological work are carried out? Where can I find out what archaeological work has been undertaken in my area? Rural archaeology - frequently asked questions I am carrying out a Farm Environment Plan, who do I contact for historic environment record (HER) information? I dont understand the information on my Entry Level Stewardship Farm Environmental Record. Can you advise me on historic options in the Entry Level scheme? Contacts Historic environment team archaeology@northyorks.gov.uk Tel: 08458 72 73 74 Full details for Historic environment team