That's one of the conclusions of the most detailed investigation ever undertaken into the region's historic landscapes and buildings, which define much of its rural identity.
Called Heritage Counts 2005, the report has been produced by Yorkshire's Historic Environment Forum, comprising agencies like English Heritage, The National Trust, Country Land and Business Association and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It focuses primarily, although not exclusively, on rural issues.
Key findings for South Yorkshire include:
* Yorkshire and The Humber has 5,530 listed farm buildings, eight per cent of the national total. Eleven of the most important are on English Heritage's Buildings at Risk Register. That's three more than 1999. Evidence from Defra suggests Yorkshire has England's second highest proportion of unused and decaying agricultural buildings. A separate photographic study indicated 11% of the region's historic farmsteads displayed signs of structural failure, compared with the national average of 7.5%. A reduction in farm incomes has put added strain on these buildings.
* South Yorkshire has 12 entries on English Heritage's 2005 Buildings at Risk Register, which deals with Grade I and II* structures. That's 14 less than the 1999 total. Overall, the region has a good record at finding solutions for buildings on the list; the number of buildings restored to a favourable condition is growing faster than the national average. Regionally it would cost an estimated £30m to correct the problems the register identifies.
* Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham are compiling their own buildings at risk registers, which, crucially, includes information on the condition of Grade II properties. No such register exists in Barnsley which has 677 listed buildings and 23 scheduled monuments.
* Between 1997 and 2005, South Yorkshire received grants totalling over £54m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, excluding Local Heritage Initiative Awards.
* South Yorkshire is keenly affected by the shortage of traditional craftspeople needed to maintain its historic buildings. Across Yorkshire and The Humber, it's estimated that 155 additional construction workers are needed. That comprises 48 carpenters, 45 slate and tile roofers, 36 stonemasons and 26 thatchers.
* Nearly half the historic parkland recorded in Yorkshire and The Humber on the 1918 Ordnance Survey map had been lost by 1995. This is the second highest proportion of any region in England and represents 39,000 acres.
* £40m is required to help Yorkshire and The Humber's listed historic churches meet their repair bills. Sheffield Diocese has 222 churches, 63% of which are listed. Over £12m is required for repairs.
Other facts from the report:
* South Yorkshire has 3,145 listed buildings. There are 156 scheduled monuments and 26 registered historic parks and gardens. There are 125 conservation areas.
* The amount of money to be invested in the region's historic infrastructure is predicted to rise at over twice the national average next year. Money spent on historic buildings in Yorkshire and The Humber by English Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) since 2000 is estimated at £110 million. South Yorkshire has received £24m Objective 1 cash for historic environment projects, including work to Sheffield Cathedral and distinctive metal-trades buildings like Scotia Works
John Hinchliffe, English Heritage Acting Regional Director for Yorkshire and The Humber, said:
"The report identifies positive trends, but several major challenges. On the downside, the loss of parkland and threats to historic farm buildings and scheduled monuments suggest many cherished aspects of Yorkshire's character are at risk. But there are rays of sunshine. We have done well at finding solutions for some of our most threatened and important historic buildings and a projected 27 per cent increase in investment in the region's historic environment bodes well for the future. Heritage Counts gives us a detailed picture of the state of our historic landscape. There are clear opportunities to be grasped."
Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of Heritage Forum and English Heritage, added:
"The heritage of our countryside is a national asset of incalculable value. It is one of our greatest cultural achievements and from it many of our finest artists, writers, thinkers and musicians derive their passion and inspiration. But how are we to maintain its special qualities when its traditional economic foundations are disappearing? I believe our rural landscape, with its many distinctive man-made features, is fundamental to our local and national identity and a powerful force behind the renewal of our small towns and villages so cherished by residents and visitors."
Copies of Heritage Counts are available from English Heritage Customer Services: 0870 3331181 customers@english-heritage.org.uk or at http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
