Protection plan for ancient sites

Scafell is home to some stunning archaeological sites

Lakeland's ancient industrial sites are to be pilots for a new system of protecting Britain's heritage.

The landscapes of Langdale and Scafell hold some of the most important relics of stone age industry in the country.

The area's Neolithic cave deposits have no official protection, although they are in a national park.

Now English Heritage wants to take positive steps to protect them in a move which could form the blueprint for future preservation of archaeology.

Proposals for the new system have been drawn up by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Langdale and Scafell show evidence of Neolithic axe factories and are in a so-called Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA).

Prehistoric sites

Difficult management issues include the threat of erosion from fell walkers.

John Darlington, National Trust area manager for the South Lakes, said: "The Neolithic axe factories of Great Langdale and Scafell Pike are some of the most remarkable industrial sites in Britain.

"They also represent a considerable management challenge.

"Dramatically located amongst the high fells of the central Lake District these internationally important prehistoric sites are vulnerable to erosion and disturbance.

"We welcome being involved in a pilot project which will support the Trust in its aim to protect and enhance the historic environment, and which seeks to introduce greater flexibility into the process."

Andrew Davison, English Heritage inspector of ancient monument for the North West, said: "While maintaining the present levels of statutory protection, the aim of the new system is to change the culture of protecting the historic environment."