Guidance on security fencing for heritage sites

1. Heritage site perimeter security
2. Fence installation
3. Choosing the right fencing
4. Preventing graffiti
5. Securing war graves
6. Railway heritage site security

Heritage sites can include churches, cathedrals and abbeys; palaces and stately homes; and natural landscapes, gardens, and grade I listed buildings, usually managed by The National Trust, English Heritage, and The Crown Estate. There are also World Heritage Sites, landmarks, or areas created by UNESCO which are specifically protected by the UN; there are 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK. In addition to these types of heritage sites, imperial and modern war locations and landmarks such as barracks, bunkers, HMS monuments, and war rooms also require special protection.

Fencing for heritage sites poses unique challenges and often serves a range of purposes, from safety and security, to demarcation, ticketing and access, whilst also maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the site.

Specifying heritage site perimeter solutions

Different heritage sites require different types and styles of fencing. For sites such as castles or gardens which are open as visitor attractions, ticketed entry is in operation, and secure fencing and gates must be installed to ensure the security of the site when closed. For sites which host weddings and other events, fencing is required to both keep guests safe, and demarcate the event area alongside signposts and lockable gates.

As some heritage sites are home to either the owners of the property or on-site staff, certain buildings, gardens, and car parks may need to be kept private and secure from the areas which are open to the public. Public car parks which are attached to the properties for visitors can utilise secure fencing with access control systems, such as rising arm barriers and rising bollards, to control when they can be used and deter people from the property.

When specifying heritage site fencing it is essential to undertake a thorough risk assessment and ensure planning permission restrictions are adhered to; significant changes - such as installing high-security fencing - could devalue the property, so the right fencing must provide appropriate security without detracting from the site’s appearance.

Stephen Armson-Smith, Heritage Crime Prevention Consultant comments on the importance of proven, security-first solutions:

“Heritage sites come with the extra considerations affecting the continued conservation of the site, such as being a fully reversible adaptation, and ensuring that anything used is sympathetic to the heritage asset and its setting. Early confidence in a suitable product may come from the provenance that the considered product has already been used elsewhere in a similar location and accepted by heritage professionals, and as such may provide suitable evidence for the local Conservation Officer. All these site-specific heritage considerations come on top of those for the actual security of the asset. Fencing provides the first layer of security that creates the first impression of the site, be it of an aesthetically pleasing nature or of a deterrent nature to a potential criminal/intruder, or indeed both.”

In addition, he highlights the importance of layers of security working together:

“You need to ask what you want the fence and gates to do for the site: provide a symbolic boundary or a security fence? If a security fence, to what level; the opportunist, or a more determined offender? Due to the nature of a heritage property, as with any layer of security, there may be a need to increase the level of security at one layer if it is needed to mitigate a risk within another layer. Of course, to make such decisions, a security assessment is needed to ensure risk commensurate measures are considered. Amongst those determining factors are that the product has the right third-party certified level of security rating to match how determined the anticipated offender is (toolkit + delay).”

Installing fencing on heritage sites

Organisations such as The National Trust and English Heritage exist to protect and maintain places of historic significance and beauty, so an essential consideration when selecting heritage site fencing is the surrounding landscape.

Fencing installation should cause minimal disruption to the site and wildlife, and the fencing chosen should be long-lasting to prevent frequent maintenance work or the need for panel and post replacements. Also, surrounding structures may be fragile, for example when attaching gates to walls, making minimal installations the ideal solution.

How to choose the right fencing for a heritage site

The appropriate fencing for a site will depend on the buildings, gardens and areas that need securing, and should become clearer based on the above criteria for minimal installation and the type of site and how it operates. Generally, the right fencing for heritage sites may include:

Demarcation Fencing

By outlining a boundary for visitors to follow, demarcation fencing can help direct the public whilst keeping guests away from private areas. Timber post and rail fencing is a natural-looking perimeter solution for heritage sites that won’t interrupt views, and helps to discourage trespassers by minimising curiosity in off-limits areas.

Ornamental metal railings

Metal railings in ornamental or simpler residential designs provide strong security whilst looking elegant and providing minimal line-of-sight disruption, complementing historic buildings and allowing the greenery of nature to be seen through the fence.

Fencing and hedging

For a more discreet appearance, landscaped hedges can be combined with either timber or metal fencing to help fencing blend into its surroundings in a controlled way.

Detection systems

PIDS and CCTV offer enhanced security without the need for high-security fencing, as site staff can gain visibility over large areas. Ensuring these are placed discreetly won’t affect the overall appearance of the site.

Choosing a powder coating for heritage site fencing can enhance the security and durability of metal railings whilst also matching the aesthetics of the building or site. Ornate metal railings - generally powder coated black - are ideal around heritage properties due to their traditional appearance. With a secure design and a range of decorative finial options and heights, they provide demarcation and security without distracting from the architecture and keeping landmarks open to viewing. Where traditional wrought iron railings have fallen into disrepair, we have been able to replace with a closely matched but more secure, modern metal railing fence around a number of heritage sites including castles, churches, and even old schools.

Preventing Graffiti

Graffiti is a common problem facing any type of building and is particularly damaging to heritage and listed buildings. Usually hundreds of years old and made from expensive and delicate materials, defacing these historic buildings leaves an unsightly mark, causes disruption and closures, and inflicts costs on the trust or property owner who is generally charity funded. Installing an anti-climb demarcation fence which leaves the property open enough for visitors but acts as a deterrent and prevents taggers getting close to the building is a practical strategy.

Security fencing for war graves

War graves are sacred sites that honour the memory of those who sacrificed their lives in service to their countries. These graves often hold significant historical, emotional, and cultural value, making them essential places of remembrance for families, communities, and nations. War graves are often part of larger historical sites or cemeteries with significant heritage value. Security railings contribute to the preservation of these sites, ensuring that they remain intact for future generations to visit, learn from, and reflect upon. Security railings around war graves are crucial for protection against vandalism, establishing respectful boundaries, preserving historical integrity, and controlling access.

Wrought iron railings are often seen around commonwealth graves to help prevent accidental damage, such as trampling on graves or disturbing the site in any way, maintaining the sanctity of the area.

However, wrought iron, unless regularly maintained, cleaned, and re-treated with protective coatings is prone to rust, particularly in the often-damp environment of a graveyard. Rust can completely destroy wrought iron railings, leaving the area vulnerable and potentially dangerous. Broken and rusted railings also affect the appearance of these respected graves and monuments.

Rusted railings around a Commonwealth grave

Modern tubular steel railings with a 25 year guarantee help to preserve appearances and prevent costly repairs and replacements which disturb the graves. Durable fencing ensures that the graves are consistently protected from vandalism, weather, and accidental damage, maintaining the site's integrity for decades or even centuries. More time can be spent by volunteers tending to the high-maintenance areas of war graves rather than focusing on the fencing.

In addition, the use of durable railings reflects the enduring respect and commitment to honouring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives. It symbolises a lasting tribute, showing that the care and reverence for these sites are not temporary but intended to last as long as the memory of the fallen endures.

Fencing for railway heritage sites

Railway heritage sites are vital historical landmarks that preserve the legacy of rail transport, which played a transformative role in industrialisation, economic development, and social mobility. These sites, which include historic train stations, locomotives, bridges, and tunnels, serve as living museums that allow future generations to appreciate the engineering marvels and cultural significance of railways. Securing these heritage sites is crucial to protecting the unique architectural styles, technological innovations, and the shared histories they represent. Preservation efforts not only safeguard national and global history but also promote tourism, education, and community pride, ensuring that the story of rail transport continues to inspire future innovations and understanding.

“Maintaining a heritage asset often includes certain financial constraints. In a lot of cases funding has been sort for restoration or conservation and as such it is important that security is a material consideration to ensure value for money. A heritage site is irreplaceable, and repairs are challenging if not impossible, when it’s gone it’s gone forever. Heritage assets have been there throughout history, providing a safe and secure location to all manner of threats. The historic nature of the property should not be detracted by any security measures used, but it should be protected by security measures appropriate to today’s risks and be sustainable for the future of the building.” - Stephen Armson-Smith, Heritage Crime Prevention Consultant

Jacksons Fencing is a leading provider of fencing and gates for a wide range of applications. Our expert teams are on hand to ensure you find the right fencing solution for your needs, and we create bespoke solutions for heritage sites on a case-by-case basis to guarantee security with an attractive finish for the site.

To find out more about Jacksons Fencing heritage site fencing solutions, contact us today.