The Trust’s archaeologist for the Stonehenge and Avebury WHS, Dr Nick Snashall, said: “Arable farming can be hugely damaging to archaeology. Year after year erasing more and more of the story of the people who built and used the awe-inspiring monuments in this globally important landscape. So, it’s fantastic news that we’ve been able to take the single most important step in protecting these sites in decades, by bringing this additional land into our care. By returning them to species rich chalk grassland we’re both making a home for nature, and ensuring the stories this landscape holds will be here for everyone to discover and enjoy long into the future.”
Dr Simon Thurley, CBE, Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund said: “We at the National Heritage Memorial Fund are proud to help the National Trust secure the future of more of the Stonehenge Landscape, one of the world’s most famous and important archaeological sites. Thanks to our support, prehistoric monuments at risk will be safeguarded, ecological habitats will be protected and improved, and in time, greater access will be possible.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England said: “The Stonehenge landscape contains an extraordinary and diverse range of archaeological sites and monuments which are of both national and international importance. Some of these sites close to Stonehenge were vulnerable to continued arable cultivation including Bronze Age round barrows and part of the Stonehenge Avenue – the ceremonial monument linking Stonehenge to the River Avon. We are delighted that the National Trust has been able to secure the conservation ownership and control of this land leading to the removal of six key monuments from our Heritage at Risk Register and the protection of other important archaeological remains. This will also help facilitate wider access to the landscape, a further step towards one day in the future the exciting prospect for people to once again walk the ceremonial route along the Avenue.”