The Secretary of State for National Heritage keeps a register of nationally important sites. In practice, the implementation of the legislation is undertaken by local government.
A long list of criteria is used to decide whether an Ancient Monument should become a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Scheduling affords greater protection. However, protection can also be given by taking the monument under ownership or guardianship, or by designating the location as an Area of Archaeological Importance.
Often Ancient Monuments are also Grade I or Grade II Listed buildings, or they are situated in a Conservation Area.
Example 1: Wymondham Abbey in Norfolk is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, a Grade I Listed Building, and lies in Wymondham Conservation Area.
Example 2: Paston Great Barn, also in Norfolk, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II Listed Building. Because of the presence of rare bats, it is also on a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a candidate for Special Area of Conservation (cSAC) European Union protective status.
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