Robust evidence that heritage can have an impact on wider social issues such as people's sense of well-being and community cohesion was revealed today (Wednesday 21 October) by English Heritage.

The new research is described in Heritage Counts 2009, the annual report on the state of the historic environment, published by English Heritage on behalf of the whole heritage sector.

The report also reveals that England's heritage has had a bumper year with visitor numbers far higher than expected despite less than perfect weather.

The Government recently acknowledged the impact of the design and condition of places on crime levels, social inclusion and regeneration in its World class places: The Government's strategy for improving quality of place. However, until today there has been no solid evidence of a link between living in a historic area and how content and connected we feel to that place.

Do you feel proud of where you live? Do you care about what your area looks like? Do you feel you belong? These were some of the questions asked in a national survey commissioned by English Heritage from Newcastle University's Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (along with its International Centre for Cultural and Heritage Studies plus Bradley Research and Consulting) to explore the role that the historic environment plays in creating a stronger sense of place.

Sense of place refers to the notion of self-esteem derived from where one lives and affinity to the local community. The research revealed today shows that:

·         the historic environment has a significant and positive relationship to sense of place

·         adults who live in more historic areas are likely to have a stronger sense of place, other relevant factors being equal

·         both young people and adults who are more interested in the historic environment are more likely to have a stronger sense of place, all other factors being equal

·         adults and young people who cite a local building or monument as special are likely to have a stronger sense of place, other things being equal.

Baroness Andrews, Chair of English Heritage, said: "This evidence shows without a doubt that our historic environment adds to the sum of human and community happiness.  The task of English heritage - and all the agencies which care for and promote our historic environment - is to work with local authorities and communities to make sure that everyone enjoys the benefits that this engagement can bring."

Prof Mike Coombes of Newcastle University said: "The research has produced the first robust statistical answer to the question of whether historic buildings are important to people and their communities. We have found that living in an area with more historic buildings has an impact -- along with being interested in the built environment -- in strengthening people's sense of place. A strong sense of place is very widely seen to help people's well-being and also to be important for the social cohesion of communities. In this way the research gives robust evidence of social benefits fostered by the historic built environment."

Visitor numbers and other important points from Heritage Counts 2009

·         While there was