March 2025: I've decided to post this to my blog so that it's easily shared and will hopefully put an end to this mad, and quite frankly short-sighted, selfish (possibly money-grabbing) plan.
- Scroll down to the actual copy-and-paste letter, the below is the foreword and my thoughts on the matter.
I've seen many comments on social media that closing The Drove at Stonehenge to motor vehicles permanently is fake news and that the council has only closed The Drove at Stonehenge for resurfacing, but I do not feel that this the case. As of March 2025, it's been closed for months now. It never reopened after the Winter Solstice, 2024.
I appreciate there have been a few people living in vans who have seemingly '*overstayed their welcome' at The Drove, but let this not tarnish the experience for all. The majority of people, like I, stop over in their vans and motorhomes for one-to-a-few nights, as a perfect and much-needed resting place between the east and the west of the country. We Vanlifers drive a lot!!
*('Overstaying their welcome', by the way, is another topic, this particular piece of land is a sacred byway that has been used freely by the public for many reasons, for many centuries. The right to roam issue in the UK is another matter and citizens of this country are now being pushed out due to the rampant buying up of the whole countryside as we know it. Free places to stay are becoming fewer and far between, and therefore the remaining ones are becoming over-subscribed. If the British Government recognized this increasing demographic, that of people living in vans (whether chosen or forced), accepted and made reasonable provisions, this wouldn't be an issue. Rant over for now, here's to the point.)
Rather than a blanket ban, or introducing ridiculous and prohibitive charges, can we not come to some sort of agreement where the ones who aren't 'overstaying their welcome' aren't punished in the process?
Moreover, British Heritage, the situation that 'owns' Stonehenge, should be stepping in with this case and realising that certain types of vehicles parking in The Drove is a continuing legacy from the hippie travelling eras from before, during and after the 1960s and 1970s. This too should be a protected movement.
Anyway, please share this email far and wide, so our beautiful sanctuary, The Drove, isn't snapped up by the greedy councils like the rest of the country.
(P.S. If you are the greedy council? Please listen, just this once. I bet if you randomly knocked on one of the doors of the vans at The Drove (during the day!), you'd be welcomed with a warm smile and a cup of tea, regardless of your intentions. We vanlifers are not the enemy, we're a real demographic of the UK and need to be recognised. Some have disposable income, some do not. Some litter pick their park-ups and some do not. Some make and sell beautiful things, some work remotely. Stop judging us all as one and start realising we're valuable members of the community, too. (P.P.S., I wrote this to the most wonderful orchestral version of the E.T. movie soundtrack on BBC R3 in the background and to say it was empowering, is an understatement 🤣)
Dear Chris Clark,
I am writing to formally object to the proposed closure of The Drove at Stonehenge to all motor vehicles. This historic route has served as a vital public right of way for generations, offering unparalleled access to one of the world’s most iconic and culturally significant landmarks. Restricting access to motor vehicles would not only sever a long-standing tradition but also limit the public’s ability to experience this ancient landscape in a meaningful way.
The Drove is not just a byway — it is a centuries-old route that has been used by farmers, pilgrims, travelers, and visitors for generations. As part of the historic network of byways and drove roads that crisscross the British countryside, The Drove has been an essential route for moving livestock, facilitating trade, and connecting communities. To close this public right of way to motor vehicles would be to disregard the historical and cultural significance that this path holds.
For many visitors, particularly those with limited mobility, The Drove provides an accessible way to experience the majesty of Stonehenge and the surrounding landscape. Closing this route to vehicles would unfairly restrict access to those who are unable to walk long distances or navigate uneven terrain. Elderly visitors, disabled individuals, and families with young children would be disproportionately affected by this decision, denying them the opportunity to engage with this UNESCO World Heritage Site in the same way others can.
The Drove has long served as a gathering place for people from all walks of life, especially during solstices and other significant events tied to Stonehenge’s ancient purpose. Wild campers, heritage enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike have used this space to connect with the spiritual and cultural essence of the area. Closing The Drove to vehicles would erode these traditions and weaken the strong bond that people have formed with this sacred landscape over the years.
Stonehenge draws visitors from across the globe, and The Drove provides a unique vantage point from which to appreciate this wonder of the ancient world. Many visitors rely on vehicular access to fully explore the surrounding area and contribute to the local economy by visiting nearby villages, businesses, and accommodations. Restricting vehicle access could deter tourists who seek an immersive experience, potentially harming local businesses that depend on this influx of visitors.
While I understand concerns regarding potential environmental impact and the need for responsible land management, an outright ban on motor vehicles is an extreme measure that disregards alternative solutions. A more balanced approach and one that upholds the decades-old tradition of camping in campervans and motorhomes along the route) and occasional seasonal restrictions (as happens already) to allow the land to recover, etc would allow for responsible use of The Drove while addressing environmental and safety concerns.
The Stonehenge site attracts huge crowds on a daily basis and therefore generates millions of pounds each year for British Heritage, can they not be called upon to help contribute to the upkeep of The Drove, so that others who enjoy spending time there may also continue to do so without penalty?
Closing The Drove would set a dangerous precedent for the erosion of public rights of way and access to historic sites. Public byways like The Drove are protected for the enjoyment of all, and any decision to restrict access should be made with the utmost care and consideration for future generations.
I urge Wiltshire Council to reconsider this proposal and explore alternative measures that preserve the public’s right to access this historic route while balancing environmental and safety concerns. The Drove at Stonehenge is more than just a byway — it’s a living link to our past that should remain open for all to experience and enjoy.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Author: Kate Hammaren, Freelance Writer & Editor
Get to know Kate here
