Re: Vandalism | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Paulus Dec 23, 2005 15:29:16

Replying to daveyravey

< The Twelve Apostles <i>may<i/>benefit from signage >

Not sure I go along with y' there Dave. I've watched that site get worse and worse as more and more people have visited it. Put signs up saying "it's up there!" (or whatever) and you'll increase the numbers. Saying that though, I'm one of these old-fashioned buggers who doesn't even believe we should be making the footpaths better (paving them with the rugged-stones-look,* making it less muddy, etc) - if you wanna go have a look at things in the wilds, you should be willing to get yer feet wet - that's what Nature's all about.

* Of which - where d' y' think half the stones came from which make up the footpath running from Ashlar to Whetstone Gate? The prehistoric cairn called Nixon's Station. And who sanctioned the laying of the footpaths...?

fitzcoraldo Dec 23, 2005 21:49:06

Replying to Paulus

I kind with you there Paulus.
Making sites less accessible does protect them. It's a tough one though as we should allow and even encourage people to experience these wonderful stones. On the other hand, vunerable sites must be protected. I think Daveys suggestion of replanting heather is a good one although research has shown that a covering of heather can actually speed up the erosion process (I learned that from Graemes new book). Bracken is a right pain in the arse to get through and may be less detrimental to the stones than heather. Gorse is premier league deterent, only a seriously determined nutter would drag a can of paint through a gorse thicket.

Ultimately though, I guess it's a matter of education and instilling a sort of neighbourhood watch ethic within the users of the moors.

daveyravey Dec 24, 2005 00:54:26

Replying to Paulus

I didn't say owt about making a footpath, in fact I would plant over the footpath that goes to the circle!