Heritage is often defined as our legacy from the past, what we live with in the present, and what we pass on to future generations to learn from, to marvel at and to enjoy. In a dictionary you will find that heritage is defined as something which can be treasured – a legacy, a set of traditions, values or treasured material things.

The Oxford Dictionary defines Heritage as:

1. Property that is or may be inherited
   
2. An inheritance
3. Valued things such as historic buildings that have been passed down from previous generations.
   
4. Relating to things of historic or cultural value that are worthy of preservation.  

You may prefer to think of heritage as those places and objects we wish to keep. These are cultural and natural places and objects that we value because they come from our ancestors, are beautiful, scientifically important and irreplaceable examples and sources of life and inspiration. They are our touchstones, our points of reference, our identity.

This heritage often reflects the lives of our ancestors and often survives today only because of specific efforts to preserve it. Can you imagine your local area without heritage? Think about, for example, the places in which you and your pupils live. What represents the past, the present and the future? What should be preserved? What could be replaced? What is irreplaceable?

The resources provided here are adaptable at a range of key stages and can be used for cross curricular teaching (e.g. history, geography and citizenship). In addition, there is a resource pack on World Heritage in Danger which can be delivered as part of a lesson or as workshop for a Gifted and Talented Day.