A conservation zone in Croydon has been named as one of English Heritage’s “at risk” areas in a new report.

The Webb Estate, just west of Purley town centre, is set in 260 acres of former farm land. The area is now a conservation area and this secluded and relatively exclusive residential estate has maintained its atmosphere of tranquillity and isolation for more than 90 years.

The Heritage at Risk (HAR) register was unveiled last week to highlight the plight of some of the UK’s green spaces and areas where wildlife thrives.

According to the report almost one in five conservation areas within London face “real pressures and challenges” in the future.

The HAR register contains the first ever survey into the condition of England’s conservation areas. In London, it identified 81 out of 486, conservation areas that are at risk of neglect, decay, or are a cause for concern.

In response to the findings, English Heritage is launching its Conservation Areas at Risk campaign to encourage local residents, local groups and councils to work together to manage and protect the unique character and appearance of these areas.

The conservation areas on the HAR register have been identified as “at risk” because they have deteriorated over the last three years, or are expected to do so over the next three years.

These are areas that are in danger of losing their special character and in many instances are under real pressure from unsympathetic change or significant redevelopment.

English Heritage will be reopening the survey at the end of June until December 2009, which will allow other authorities to complete their surveys and will help to build up an even clearer assessment of the state of conservation areas across the county.

For more information or to get a free copy of the campaign booklet, visit the website or contact English Heritage customer services on 0870 3331181.