Re: Trespass on SSSI sites | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Silbury Hill 180

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Trespass on SSSI sites

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The Eternal Sep 2, 2012 00:13:07

Replying to tjj

Hi June,

Thanks for re-opening the debate on Silbury Hill. I hate censorship.

I climbed up Silbury once in the mid to late 90s. Can't remember exactly when, but there was nowt to stop you then. I found it a great experience in that it gave a great view, and one that helped the viewer, me, to place Silbury within her landscape. Also, at that time, I can honestly say that I didn't notice any significant damage through people going on it. Yes, there was some flattened and worn grass, but that was it. Maybe it's different now, but I haven't set foot on it since.

On the previously locked post someone wrote: "Silbury from the top is a dreary disappointment (ask anyone who's been)". I disagree, as I have said above. If only I had been asked.

However, if it is now a tresspass offence, and against the law to climb Silbury Hill, then I will respect that. I hope there is a good reason. I can't comment on whether Silbury Hill is now being damaged by people climbing it, as I haven't been on it for years.

I know that we all love Silbury Hill, and don't want to see it damaged, but I feel that the authorities often go the wrong way about stopping people - they just rub them up the wrong way, and it ends in conflict, and some people see it as a challenge to disobey the wishes of the powers that be.

All the best,
TE.

VBB Sep 2, 2012 06:56:09

Replying to The Eternal

The Eternal wrote:

I can honestly say that I didn't notice any significant damage through people going on it. Yes, there was some flattened and worn grass, but that was it. Maybe it's different now, but I haven't set foot on it since.

Thanks TE, you have made an important point - we here are not likely to forget the terrible collapse of 2000 but who would know visiting it now? The Hill seems perfectly OK so why the fences and signs?

Silbury Hill was closed to the public in 1974 following a leap in visitor numbers after the M4 opened resulted in serious erosion. Photographs reveal new lines of ascent created and the repair section reveals not just a top up to the path but a massive lozenge shaped repair on the south front and a section of the summit. The erosion has had to be tackled twice since, both demonstrating the amount of continuing erosion despite the ban and the fences, and highlighting the difficulties in sourcing the right sort of chalk. Moreover let's not overlook that the monument is covered in archaeology vulnerably located near the surface.

As I said elsewhere, if visitors knew the story they might think twice.

tjj Sep 2, 2012 10:00:28

Replying to The Eternal

I know lots of people who have been up Silbury at some time or other - there was an experiment with musical instruments up there a few years back. The reason I likened climbing Silbury to our societies attitude to smoking in public places was to illustrate that what was acceptable and normal a few years back is now almost taboo. Attitudes change with the wisdom of hindsight.

I agree with the person who said Silbury is best viewed from afar - when it suddenly appears almost mysteriously in the landscape and sometimes creates an illusion of moving with you as you walk along somewhere like the Wansdyke. I also recommend (for those who can) a walk up to Harestone Down Stone Circle which can be accessed along the White Horse Trail. Whether this actually was a stone circle is questionable but I personally think it was. If you stand there and look back you will see in front of you West Kennett Long Barrow with Silbury perfectly aligned behind it. You can even see Windmill Hill. And to one side sits East Kennett Long Barrow suddenly taking on a prominence maybe not noticed before. Whatever Silbury was constructed for it seems to be a pivotal focal point in an archaeologically amazing landscape.