Cultural and natural heritage sites including Birkenhead Park are a step closer to becoming UNESCO World Heritage Sites after gaining Government backing for their bids.
Five new sites from across the UK and Overseas Territories have been added to the Tentative List meaning they are now part of a seven site list to be put forward by the Government for inscription on the illustrious list.
The Tentative List is published around every ten years by the UK Government. It sets out the sites it feels have the best chance of succeeding and will now work with local authorities and devolved administrations to develop their bids.
Birkenhead Park, which opened in 1847, was a pioneering project to bring greenery to urban environments and provided a blueprint for municipal planning that has influenced town and city parks across the world, including New York’s Central Park. Around two million people visit the park every year.
The park has an active and successful Friends of Birkenhead Park and their work has been crucial in the maintenance, care and improvements over recent years.
Councillor Helen Cameron (Conservative, Clatterbridge Ward) and Chair of the Council's Tourism, Communities, Culture and Leisure Committee said: "Great news from UNESCO and the Department for Culture Media and Sport. Well done to the team who managed to get Birkenhead Park on the tenative list for World Heritage Status."
Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay confirmed the news earlier today:
Today we are confirming our support for some of the most enchanting heritage sites and breathtaking landscapes in the UK and its Overseas Territories as they bid for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
"All the locations being put forward would be worthy recipients of this accolade – and we will give them our full backing so they can benefit from the international recognition it can bring.
Laura Davies, HM Ambassador to UNESCO, added: "It is great that the UK is contributing to making World Heritage more representative.
"These five sites brilliantly reflect the diversity and beauty of the UK and its Overseas Territories’ natural and cultural heritage, and I look forward to working with them towards World Heritage listing.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Site system offers a fantastic opportunity for cultural and natural heritage sites to gain international recognition and promote themselves on a global stage.
