Received a letter on Friday giving a full reply to my query:
We are absolutely committed to our guardianship of Stonehenge and are bound by the monument’s own government regulations under which the monument is protected. We take touching the stones very seriously: not only is it a contravention of the regulations, there are also sensitive and ancient lichens on the stones which can be easily damaged.
These regulations are still in place during the managed open access of the Solstices and Equinoxes and our security and Peace Stewards go to great lengths to try to stop people from touching the stones. By entering the monument field during these celebrations you are accepting our conditions of entry which comply with the regulations and include the prohibition of touching the stones.
We are able to successfully monitor this during the equinoxes and winter solstice; however the sheer volume of Summer Solstice means that even with increased security monitoring activities within the circle is very difficult. Those who are caught climbing on stones are either cautioned or arrested. In order for us to manage the stones during Solstice our Curator of the stones makes pre and post-open access examinations and any damage is reported and addressed.
While we conclude that the stones may be touched during the Summer Solstice, we are very clear in our Conditions of Entry that we do not condone, encourage or permit this. The fact that it may happen has no influence upon its legality and we have no right, nor desire, to directly contravene the regulations by giving permission at any moment of open or public access. The law is clear: it is illegal to touch the stones and those who do so are committing a criminal offence.
So now you know.
Sounds to me that they should limit the amount of people allowed within the circle in order to comply with their own rules?
Also, perhaps they should put up warning signs at other sites about not touching stones due to the age of the lichen etc. i.e. The Rollright Stones.
What do you think?
