Spraypaint and Smokescreens: the Real Threat to Stonehenge

Photograph: JSO

Just Stop Oil’s “megalithic action”, which involved spraying Stonehenge with orange cornflour paint, has sparked controversy over targeting such a sacred site in this way. 

Two JSO activists were arrested following the action at midday on Wednesday 19 July on suspicion of damaging the ancient monument.

Although they used biodegradable paint to avoid permanent damage, the world-renowned standing stones consist of a fragile ecosystem. They host 77 different species of rare and endangered lichen. But it is unclear whether this situation was taken into consideration when planning the action.

Jonathan Weekes, co-founder of Sacred Earth Activism (SEA), expressed his concern.  

“We believe this action shows a lack of respect for the sacrality of the site itself, which already faces numerous challenges, including the proposed expressway and tunnel scheme that is planned to cut through the World Heritage site,” he said.

Weekes added that SEA had been closely supporting efforts to protect Stonehenge and the wider ancient landscape from “harm and desecration”. This includes working on a Sacred Lands Charter to ensure respect and protection for sacred landscapes around the UK.

The real threat to Stonehenge

Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, meanwhile, condemned the action, describing it as a “disgraceful act of vandalism of the UK’s and the world’s oldest and most important monuments”. Opposition leader Kier Starmer took a similar stance. Calling JSO “pathetic”, he said: “Those responsible must face the full force of the law.”

But Christa Mackinnon, SEA’s other co-founder, retorted: “How hypocritical can it get? We must keep our eyes on the real threat to Stonehenge – and it doesn’t come from Just Stop Oil. It comes from the government and its infrastructure project.”

John Adams, chairman of the Stonehenge Alliance, agreed. He said the group could not condone any action that could potentially damage the monument.

But he added: “This direct action is unacceptable but is relatively minor compared to the huge gash that will be cut across the World Heritage Site by the tunnel cuttings and which at the western end will run through a Bronze Age settlement. It’s sad that this should happen on the eve of the summer solstice when hundreds of people visit Stonehenge to celebrate its majesty and solar alignment and, for some, this site has spiritual meaning.” 

Sacred Earth Activism urges all who care about Stonehenge to support the Save Stonehenge WHS high court appeal to protect this sacred landscape against the proposed expressway and tunnel. Click here to support their legal fundraiser.