Country diary: This is Dorset’s worst-located stone circle – but Nine Stones is well worth a visit | Sara Hudston
The Nine Stones stone circle in Dorset is described as a historically significant but poorly located monument situated next to a busy A-road. Despite the noise and traffic, the author argues the site remains a worthwhile visit for its unique geological features.
Why it matters
The piece highlights the tension between preserving ancient heritage sites and modern infrastructure development.
The Nine Stones at Winterbourne Abbas, Dorset. Photograph: Sara Hudston The Nine Stones at Winterbourne Abbas, Dorset. Photograph: Sara Hudston Country diary Environment Country diary: This is Dorset’s worst-located stone circle – but Nine Stones is well worth a visit Winterbourne Abbas : These bronze age megaliths have hosted rituals and seen off electricity pylons. Today they endure by the side of an A-road
Prefer the Guardian on Google T he Nine Stones at Winterbourne Abbas have an inglorious setting. Hard by the A35, there are only slim iron railings and a small ditch to shield the circle from the heavy traffic rumbling west. And for about six months of the year the ditch flows with water (the winter bourne), often overspilling and flooding the road.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in