We know that the risk of flooding is likely to increase as a result of a changing climate and the effects of increased urban development. Estimates suggest the number of people at high risk from flooding could rise from 1.5 million to 3.5 million by 2080. Currently around 400,000 homes and 75,000 businesses in England are located in areas where there is a significant annual chance of river or coastal flooding (greater than a 1.3 per cent annual chance, or once every 75 years on average). More homes are at risk from surface water, groundwater or sewer flooding, which is much harder to predict...

This guidance is intended for anyone interested in or responsible for the care of war memorials. This might include parish, local and district councils, conservation professionals, contractors, statutory bodies, volunteer groups or private owners. Although the guidance covers the setting of war memorials, more detailed information on landscape issues can be found in the publication The Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes. When it refers to `custodians', the document is addressing anyone who has taken on formal responsibility for a war memorial, whether or not they are its...

This guidance note provides advice on the principles, risks, materials and methods for insulating pitched roofs at rafter level. When insulation is placed at this position the roof is often referred to as a `warm roof'. The simplest and most common way to insulate a pitched roof is to add insulation above the horizontal ceiling of the top floor. However, if the top floor is open to the rafters and is used as habitable accommodation then insulation will need to be provided at rafter level. Insulation can be placed above, between or just below the rafters. The techniques explained in this...

Traditional farmsteads and farm buildings make an important contribution to the remarkably varied character of England's landscape. They are fundamental to its sense of place and are as important to the character of the countryside as the pattern of fields and boundaries associated with them. Together they help to create local identity and local distinctiveness. They also provide tangible evidence of local history and forgotten skills. Retaining such buildings matters because their history tells us of past practices, technology, innovation and achievements. However, changing...

This guidance note provides advice on the methods, materials and risks involved with insulating the walls of timber-framed buildings. Making improvements can improve comfort for occupants as well as lowering fuel bills and carbon emissions. However, such improvements can raise significant technical and conservation issues. Timber-framed buildings are a striking feature in many of England's towns, villages and farmsteads. Examples can date back to the 12th century but most have 16th century origins. They continued to be built up to the 19th century in rural parts of the country. Many...

When historic buildings are left vacant they are at a greatly increased risk of damage and decay as well as being a potential blight on their locality. The best way to protect a building is to keep it occupied, even if the use is on a temporary or partial basis. It is inevitable that some historic buildings will struggle to find any use, especially in areas where the property market is weak and the opportunities for sale or re-use are limited. However, such buildings may become centrepieces of future regeneration and safeguarding will allow them to fulfil their social, cultural and economic...