Experts dismiss concerns for Hadrian's Wall
Oct 28 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
HERITAGE experts last night dismissed claims that Hadrian’s Wall was crumbling into the Northumberland soil because of tourism.
A book, Frommer’s 500 Places To See Before They Disappear, provides a list of sites that are most at risk from developers and climate change.
The publication details places to visit that feature endangered landscapes, ecosystems, buildings, cultural spots and animal species.
Among the 20 “endangered” British landmarks is Hadrian’s Wall.
Figures from VisitBritain suggest 43,485 visitors visited the Roman Army Museum alone during 2007.
But authors Holly Hughes and the Pulitzer-nominated former journalist Larry West claim the sheer volume of tourists walking near and on the site could ruin the attraction.
The book states: “Over the last two millennia, nature broke down some sections of Hadrian’s Wall and many stones from the Wall were removed and used to build other structures, but much of the Wall is still intact.
“Besides nature itself, the biggest threat to Hadrian’s Wall are the tourists who flock to the site each year and walk on the Wall.”
But last night Linda Tuttiett, the chief executive of Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, dismissed the claims.
She said: “Hadrian’s Wall is Britain’s longest, and greatest, piece of heritage. It is therefore somewhere that everyone should want to see at least once.
“This important World Heritage Site needs careful management, but it is not about to disappear.
“A great deal of work is being done by us and our partners to ensure that the Wall can be enjoyed by future generations.”
Tourism bosses last night pointed to the huge revenue generated by the influx of tourists from across the globe to see the iconic structure.
Northumberland Tourism chief executive Giles Ingram said: “Sites like this are very important to the North East. Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most important assets that we’ve got, both in this country and internationally.
“It attracts a lot of tourists and creates a lot of publicity in places like the United States and Germany.
“But I’m very surprised that this book suggests that tourism is damaging the Wall.
“There is a World Heritage Management Plan which works to strike a balance between allowing tourists to visit the site and preserving the essential fabric of the site for the future. That has been very successful for a number of years.”
Other sites listed in the book include the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Holderness Coast, East Yorkshire.
Author Holly Hughes said: “The devastation wrought by climate change and direct man-made interference is familiar to all of us.”
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