Hexham conference to outline results of Hadrian's Wall management study

The conference will hear from heritage economist James Rebanks, who is based near Penrith in Cumbria, and who has carried out a study of all 890 world heritage sites worldwide. As well as Hadrian's Wall and Durham Cathedral and Castle, the North East is likely to have a third world heritage site in the Wearmouth-Jarrow monastic site, while the Lake District is also in the running.

Mr Rebanks said that locations which enjoyed most benefits from their world heritage site status did so with marketing which emphasised the quality and distinctiveness of designation.

He said: "They point out why they are special places and why people should visit. It is about distinctiveness and saying you are better than other places, and getting a competitive advantage."

The study found that well-marketed locations attracted more visitors from countries - especially in Europe - which themselves had world heritage sites.

Mr Rebanks said: "These people, who tend to stay longer and spend more, understand the concept of world heritage sites.

"They are interested in the culture of the countries they visit and, on holiday, will go looking for world heritage sites," said Mr Rebanks.

He added that there were opportunities to create private businesses off the back of world heritage sites. A survey of businesses showed they valued the distinctiveness and many used it on brochures, websites and general marketing.

The conference has been organised by Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd on behalf of the Hadrian's Wall world heritage site management plan committee.

Other speakers will include Christine Venus of Natural England, who will talk about tourism and the natural environment, and Linda Tuttiett, chief executive of Hadrian's Wall Heritage Ltd on the opportunities for economic benefit along Hadrian's Wall.

There will also be presentations on recent results of archaeological research, the Hadrian's Wall Local Produce scheme, the Know Your Hadrian's Wall Country training scheme for small businesses dealing with visitors and the project to upgrade the Roman Maryport site in Cumbria.

"How the land is managed along the wall is critical in maintaining how the landscape looks," said Linda Tuttiett.

Also in the spotlight will be the five-year management plan for the Wall, which was launched last summer.

"We did not want to see it sit on a shelf. We want to look at what is the best way forward," she said.

"There are many varied interests and responsibilities along the Wall and this is bringing everyone together."

CEMETERY DIG REVEALS BURIAL URNS

The results of the recent excavation of a cemetery at a Roman fort on the Northumberland-Cumbria border will be revealed at the conference.

The dig was carried out at Birdoswald fort at Gilsland by English Heritage because the cemetery site is eroding and falling into the River Irthing valley.

A road was found which led to the site and, along the eastern side of the route, was a ditched enclosure. The enclosure contained pits filled with cremated remains. A total of 12 urns were found, one containing chain mail and cremated bone.

The deposits were dated from the middle of the 2nd century to the early 4th century.

During the late 4th century, the enclosure ditch was filled, with two burials blocking the entrance.

The graves are probably 5th century and Christian, and linked to the timber buildings which sprang up at the fort site after the collapse of the Roman empire.

Archaeologists believe their position blocking the entrance to a pagan burial area may represent the ritual closing of the site.

Only the north and east sides of the enclosure were found, with the north portion surviving for only eight metres before meeting the cliff edge.