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Stonehenge: ‘No visible damage’ after Just Stop Oil protest

Image: The protest at Stonehenge (Just Stop Oil)

The protest, which saw the monument sprayed with an orange powder, “contradicts protestors’ own principles” says English Heritage chief

English Heritage says there appears to be no damage to Stonehenge after two Just Stop Oil supporters sprayed the monument with an orange powder.

The charity, which manages the monument, told Advisor its experts have already removed the orange powder from the stones and is “ relieved that there appears to be no visible damage”.

It said its experts were forced to act quickly following yesterday’s protest, as there was a risk that the powder would harm the important and rare lichens growing on the stones and that if the powder came into contact with water, it would leave difficult-to-remove streaks.

The very act of removing the powder can – in itself – have a harmful impact by eroding the already fragile stone and damaging the lichens, it said.

Commenting on the protest, Dr Nick Merriman OBE, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: “Stonehenge is a unique place, one that has special meaning to many of us. Surely vandalising a landmark that celebrates the changing seasons, the importance of community, and sheer human ingenuity completely contradicts the protestors’ own principles”

“Thankfully, there appears to be no visible damage but that’s in no way saying there hasn’t been harm, from the very act of having to clean the stones to the distress caused to those for whom Stonehenge holds a spiritual significance.

“We are looking forward to welcoming people to our Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge, whether that’s in person or online, for a joyous and peaceful occasion.”

The monument remained open yesterday despite the protest, and its busy annual Summer Solstice celebrations are set to go ahead as usual from 7pm this evening.

A Just Stop Oil spokesperson said: “The UK’s government in waiting has committed to enacting Just Stop Oil’s original demand of ‘no new oil and gas’. However, we all know this is not enough. Continuing to burn coal, oil and gas will result in the death of millions.

“That’s why Just Stop Oil is demanding that our next government sign up to a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuels by 2030.”