So ... the blame MUST NOT be placed on the Avebury Staff, who strive very hard to both preserve and present the monument to the public (and now have to generate income as well).
Instead blame government policy and the (in)competency of Wiltshire CC !!!
Some of Avebury is footpathed and some is not. Like this..
https://goo.gl/maps/Jtd4jafe89R2
It would be a pity to lay road metal, gravel paths, drainage and other unsightly stuff over the turf. I like walking on turf at sites. I think it is good that Avebury isn't totally paved over with attendant storm drains and such-like.
Maybe next time there is a big puddle the staff could put a temporary barrier round it like councils do with paths roads etc where there is a hazard (quick-witted supermarkets do this after a Milk Crisis in aisle 7.
I am really glad the Wiltshire County Archaeologist blocked moves to
This was blocked by the Wiltshire County Archaeologist - no funding or action is proposed for Avebury - and thus the Avebury Mangers must take the only course of action left - and directly close off parts of the Monument, for the sake of preventing damage.
First create a Milk Crisis ("reduce footfall over the most sensitive parts of the monument") Is that "most sensitive area of the site" the wee patch of dirt where the cattle feet, sheep feet and human feet have worn the turf a little? On looking at aerial images and the Google foot trail across the site there seems to be a fraction of less than one percent of the turf worn anywhere. Here.
https://goo.gl/maps/KPxyZKXwx372
Perhaps some judicious seeding of grass, buttercups and clover could be arranged. Or a suitable "wig" of turf from a surrounding bit of pasture might be cosmetically "Eltoned" onto the bald area.
This p*sh reeks of self-justification by Heritage Industry through the creation of a fake Milk Crisis in Aisle 7.
