Scheduling is the only legal designation specifically available for archaeological sites, though they are also protected via the planning system. The key current legislation is the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Monuments designated under this act are known as 'scheduled' monuments because the original list of protected monuments was set out in a schedule attached to the first Act of Parliament in 1882. English Heritage advise the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on decisions relating to scheduled monuments. English Heritage keep records of scheduled monuments, but you can also find out if a monument is scheduled by consulting the Dorset Historic Environment Record.  To make an enquiry, follow the link to Historic Environment Record.

Special written permission, known as 'Scheduled Monument Consent' is needed for works affecting scheduled monuments. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 refers specifically to demolishing, destroying, damaging, removing, repairing, altering, adding to, flooding, and tipping material onto the monument. It is a criminal offence to do any of these things without consent. Under a provision known as Class Consent some types of work are allowed to go ahead without consent. Dorset County Council's Historic Environment team can advise on the need to apply for Scheduled Monument Consent and liaison with English Heritage. A Scheduled Monument Consent application form and guidance for applicants can be found as pdf files at the right of this page.

Works affecting scheduled monuments may sometimes also need planning permission. Local planning authorities are required to take into account the impact of proposals upon scheduled monuments and their setting when they consider planning applications. Obtaining planning permission does not remove the need for Scheduled Monument Consent.  will provide more detail on this.

Scheduling does not mean that a monument is owned or managed by English Heritage or your local council; the responsibility for managing scheduled monuments remains with the landowner. Scheduling does not affect freehold title or other interests in the land, although scheduling decisions are recorded by the local Land Charge Registrar. It does not create an automatic right of public access.

• Senior Archaeologist (Promotion and Liaison)
  Name: Claire Pinder
  Email: c.j.pinder@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224921
  Fax: 01305 224835
  Full details for Claire Pinder
• Senior Archaeologist (Advice and Management)
  Name: Mr Steve Wallis
  Email: s.p.wallis@dorsetcc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 224222
  Fax: 01305 224835
  Full details for Mr Steve Wallis