This is a little off-topic, but the Henge Shop in Avebury sell small sarsen offcuts for upwards of £50 each. Obviously they're not taken from circle stones and I'm sure they're 'ethically sourced', but I've started to see chipped sarsens in surrounding areas. Perhaps customers see the shop stones and opt for a cheaper option. Who knows.
I find this troubling, and not just because punters are being fleeced. The stone deposits add a unique appearance to the downs, and many support rare lichens. I hope it's not a growing trend, whether the stones are being sold or kept for personal use.
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