We have a total of 28 of these sites across the UK, 16 in England, 5 in Scotland, 3 in Wales, 1 in Northern Ireland and 3 in overseas Territories. UNESCO World Heritage sites are split into two types: Cultural and/or Natural. In the UK there are a total of twenty three Cultural sites, four Natural sites and one mixed. The UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC), the Government and UNESCO are committed to protecting these sites for future generations. A number of parties all work together to ensure this and the close work with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and other partners, such as English Heritage, Cadw and Historic Scotland. These parties provide expert analysis and give advice. The UKNC act as coordinator and facilitator on specific World Heritage matters.
We have a number of archaeological sites, historic buildings, natural formations, urban centres and industrial landscapes for example: The Ironbridge Gorge became a Cultural WHS in 1986; Dorset and East Devon Coast became a Natural WHS in 2001 and Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites became WHS’s in 1986.