A Devon park has been praised in a report casting concern over the future of many of the county's historic buildings and monuments.

Mount Wise Park in Plymouth has been identified as a success story.

England's first heritage audit, produced by English Heritage in conjunction with the government, says the park, situated in one of the poorest boroughs in the South West, is an important green space for local people.

But the report also highlights a chronic countrywide shortage of skilled and specialist workers which it says is jeopardising some of Devon's ancient parks and buildings.

We want to create a shift from cure to prevention, making building maintenance a regular and accepted domestic duty

John Fidler, English Heritage conservation director

The State of the Historic Environment Report 2002 says there is a particular shortage of stonemasons, joiners, bricklayers and scaffolders.

A £3.8m restoration programme has led to an increase in visitors to Mount Wise Park.

The park houses several historical monuments, including the 18th Century Redoubt at the top of Mount Wise.

There are also a number of grade two listed buildings.

Golden rule

The report says the lack of skilled workers makes it all the more important to keep historic buildings in good condition.

English Heritage conservation director John Fidler said: "Building maintenance is the golden rule that everybody lives by.

"We want to create a shift from cure to prevention, making building maintenance a regular and accepted domestic duty, just like gardening or cleaning the car."