Migratory bird route over East Anglia may be named a UNESCO …

The East Atlantic Flyway, a migratory bird route over western parts of Europe including Norfolk and Suffolk, is one of five locations from across the UK and overseas which have taken a step closer to becoming UNESCO World Heritage Sites after gaining Government backing for their bids.

The five sites have been added to the Tentative list, published around every ten years by the UK Government. It sets out the sites it feels have the best chance of succeeding and will work with local authorities and devolved administrations to develop their bids.

The East Atlantic Flyway has joined the list in recognition of its vital importance to bird populations and wildlife. The area sees huge transient bird populations pass through every year as the seasons change.

Also included on the list are cultural sites, including York for its civil and religious buildings and Birkenhead Park, which opened in 1847 and was a pioneering project to bring greenery to urban environments, inspiring city parks across the UK, including New York’s Central Park.

The Little Cayman Marine Parks and Protected Areas, situated in the UK Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands, have been put forward for their exceptional importance to marine biodiversity and their incredible natural beauty. The Zenith of Iron Age Shetland, a collection of three ancient settlements dating back thousands of years is the final of the five additions.

Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: “Today we are confirming our support for some of the most enchanting heritage sites and breath-taking 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.”

If successful, the sites would join the 33 other World Heritage Sites already based in the UK including Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall. Two sites which submitted their full nominations to UNESCO earlier this year also remain on the Government’s Tentative List.

They are The Flow Country, a large area of peatland across Caithness and Sutherland in the north of Scotland and The Gracehill Moravian Church Settlement in Northern Ireland.