Baconsthorpe Castle, near Holt, is a medieval fortified house. The base of one of the towers is at risk from visitor erosion. © English Heritage

Those who enjoy days out to enjoy East Anglia's wealth of heritage sites will be dismayed by findings unveiled by English Heritage. A report has been released detailing the condition of historic treasures right across the East of England.

The Heritage at Risk report claims that 17% of ancient scheduled monuments in the region are in urgent need of action to prevent deterioration. In Norfolk there are 426 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, of which 14 are at high risk.

"Heritage at Risk is a work in progress, but already it is giving us an unprecedented window into the state of the region's historic environment,” explained Greg Luton, Regional Director for English Heritage in the East of England.

Harpley burial mound dates from the late Neolithic/Bronze Age period. The barrow has suffered erosion damage. © English Heritage

“Excellent work is being done to protect our heritage, but the study raises some serious causes for concern. We are particularly anxious about the condition of scheduled ancient monuments.”

The report highlights the condition of a range of sites from Bronze Age burial mounds to nuclear bunkers. It also covers registered historic parks, gardens and landscapes, battlefields and even protected wreck sites off our coasts.

“We believe that no monument which is legally protected in the public interest should be at high risk,” added Greg.

“Greater co-operation is needed between owners, the government and organisations charged with caring for the environment to halt the decay. The Government's recent commitment to simplify heritage protection legislation is a step in the right direction."

Katie Brinkley is the 24 Hour Museum/Norwich HEART Student Writer in Norwich. Norwich Heritage Economic and Regeneration Trust (HEART) is the groundbreaking initiative to regenerate, manage and promote one of the most remarkable heritage resources in the UK and in Europe.