The status of World Heritage Site (WHS) brings both responsibilities and opportunities, as set out in the World Heritage Convention of 1972. The prime responsibility is to protect and conserve the Site and to transmit it to future generations in at least as good condition, and preferably a better condition, to future generations.

A 5-year rolling Management Plan is a UK government requirement for a WHS. It provides an essential framework for the management of the Site to ensure its preservation for present and future generations. It must also accommodate all the differing interests of those who manage, conserve, use and enjoy the Site.

For Hadrian’s Wall, the need for a comprehensive Management Plan is of key importance because of the sheer extent and complexity of the ancient frontier and its setting. Over 50 organisations, 700 private owners and around 980,000 people live or work within the Wall’s sphere of influence. The Plan encompasses the Wall itself plus a 10-mile buffer zone on either side.

The Management Plan Committee brings together representatives of those with an interest in the Site. The Committee has ultimate accountability for the Plan, and works with Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, the organisation responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of the Plan.

The new Management Plan for 2008-2014 is now available. The Plan addresses in great detail the broad range of issues, challenges and opportunities that face the WHS, its interests and organisations. These same points relate to communities both throughout the WHS, including the buffer zone. The Plan is the only public document that seeks to explain, address and balance the issues and priorities. The Plan has been produced following a lengthy consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders across the whole length of Hadrian’s Wall.

Following formal endorsement by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, the Management Plan was officially published early in 2009. A full colour published version of the Management Plan is available on CD format and via download from this website. A printed version will be available on request for an appropriate charge to cover costs. A simple ‘grey text’ version is also available for download from this website. The ‘grey text’ version includes paragraph numbers for ease of reference.

Please note that for the purposes of posting this document on the website the Maps have been posted separately to the text. In the final published version the maps will be incorporated into the text as appropriate.