2025 February site inspection and March report.
From Andrew Newton. I spent four hours working at the henge site today - undertaking work to remove potentially harmful brush and scrub growth (mostly Gorse - some Broome, Brambles and Rosebay Willow Herb)
Observations:
The Entry Gate has been further compromised by movement of the upright posts - and by a build up of biological material within the opening arc of the gate. In my opinion the gateway has now widened so that it will no longer be possible to fit a simple baton to restore its bolt mechanism as suggested in my last update (I had taken the equipment to do this but in view of the further compromise to the structure I did not feel it prudent to undertake the work).
The gorse growth on the henge was slightly more dense that an a similar point last year - although in my estimation the total gorse coverage is less widespread (suggesting some is being killed off on a semi-permanent basis).
The fence line along the trackway is getting overgrown with gorse again - I am worried the weight of this renewed growth will damage the fence (This is important as the field is used for sheep grazing - as judged by faecal materials adjacent to the fence line and gateway area)
The dead grass covering the barbed wire of the collapsed upper fence had died back to such a degree that I was able to stand the broken posts of the fence upright and free the wires from the grass - It is now upright but not livestock secure in any way.
Andrew has made several recommendations which the team will consider along with the landowners.
Photographs showing his efforts are included in the Gallery below.
