‘Let some heritage sites decay’ – academic

Some heritage sites cannot be preserved and should be allowed to decay, according to an academic.

In the future, climate change, falling budgets and other pressures will mean that some heritage sites cannot be protected.

Professor Caitlin Desilvey said that if heritage has to be lost this should not always be viewed as a failure, but can involve a deliberate decision to allow nature to take its course and to learn from change.

“There is room to explore more creative approaches in how we care for heritage,” said Prof Desilvey, of the University of Exeter.

“What happens if we choose not to intervene? What possibilities emerge when change is embraced rather than resisted? What if we allow things to become ruins?

“Processes of decay and disintegration can be culturally, as well as ecologically, productive.”

Phil Dyke, coast and marine adviser for the National Trust, said: “We’re committed to protecting historic buildings and structures when it is realistic, but at the same time making sure we understand, record and celebrate the significance of those that are most at risk of being lost.”

Prof Desilvey has published a new book, Curated Decay.