 |
It is a fact that Avebury (as well as other popular ancient sites) is gradually being destroyed by the hordes of visitors who descend upon the village in increasing numbers each year. The well-trodden banks and paths around the stones are eroding at an alarming rate and efforts are currently under way to try and deter visitors from treading upon the more vulnerable areas of the site. It would be wrong to accuse the majority of Avebury's visitors of wilfully damaging the site, but the simple fact is that they are largely unaware of the destruction they are causing. It is true also that a high proportion of the village’s inhabitants are becoming frustrated by the sheer volume of tourists who disturb the peace and tranquillity of the area.
SO WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Close Avebury to the general public? This would be very hard if not impossible to do due its status as a village: people live there; a busy road runs through its centre, several businesses depend upon tourists for income, etc.
Limit access to certain parts of the site? This may be a more viable solution. However, there would be several problems with this, namely, deciding which areas to open to visitors, effectively cordoning off the ‘no-go’ areas and preventing those with a disregard for off-limit areas from breaching cordoned areas.
IN THE END . . .
. . . it could be argued that the general public have a right to visit Avebury as it is a part of their heritage. Therefore, the only long-term solution to the erosion issue is one of educating the people—to make them aware of the gradual destruction caused by the thousands of feet which tread upon the banks and paths each year, therefore . . .
PLEASE . . .
. . . if you visit Avebury, respect the area and its people. If you can avoid trampling all over the site, all the better. If you must walk along the paths and banks keep to those which are well marked so as to keep erosion down to a minimum. NEVER clamber over the stones or stand upon them. Please, for the sake of the villagers, keep noise levels down and certainly keep off private property. Thank you.
HELP TO PRESERVE AVEBURY SO THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS MAY ENJOY IT!
|