‘We’re not giving up’: The fight continues after the High Court ruled against saving Stonehenge World Heritage Site

A judicial review of the UK Government’s decision to approve a £2.5bn road scheme going through the heart of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site has failed.

Mr Justice Holgate dismissed Save Stonehenge World Heritage Site’s (SSWHS) application following a three-day hearing in the High Court in December. SSWHS, a company set up in 2020 specifically to challenge the Government’s decision, has said it intends to appeal.

UNESCO, five planning inspectors and more than 236,000 petition signatories have all made it clear they are opposed to National Highways’ damaging plans. SSWHS’s legal action has so far been the only thing stopping the giant earthmovers from entering this 5,000-year-old landscape.

John Adams, chair of the Stonehenge Alliance and one of three SSWHS directors, said: “While this judgement is a huge blow and exposes the site to National Highway’s state sponsored vandalism, we will continue the fight. In the dying days of this Conservative Government, which has inflicted so much damage on the country, we cannot let it destroy our heritage as well.”

SSWHS has so far raised more than £80,000 to bring this action. It will now have to raise a further £15,000 to apply for permission to petition the Court of Appeal. Should a hearing be granted, a further £40,000 could be required.

John Adams recently spoke with Sacred Earth Activism at our Online Summit, explaining the history and background of this campaign, and ending with a clear message: “We’re not giving up.”

Jonathan Weekes, co-founder of Sacred Earth Activism, said the organisation was "deeply disheartened" by the dismissal of the legal challenge. As a result, it stood "unwaveringly" behind the Stonehenge Alliance's work to prevent a "vanity project" that would  desecrate one of the most sacred landscapes in the UK. 

"Throughout this process, the focus has seemed to be on economic and procedural factors, while overlooking the glaring truth recognised by people worldwide: this landscape is sacred, a connection to our ancient past that must be safeguarded for future generations. It is also part of our global heritage and must be protected accordingly," he added.

To support the SSWHS in raising the necessary legal funds for the appeal, click here to support the Legal Crowdfunder.

Sacred Earth Activism have also created campaign T-shirts and Hoodies to help raise funds. Order yours below: