WATERLOGGED grounds have shut much of the Avebury henge, stone circles and West Kennet Avenue.

It is the first time that the monument has been closed in 17 years. Visitors were banned from the historic site in 2001 during the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.
 

The National Trust, who have managed the site since the 1940s, say that the temporary closure will help prevent the 5,000 year old archaeology from being damaged.

Dr Nick Snashall,  the trust's archaeologist for the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site, said: "We know through geophysical surveys and excavation that there is more archaeology under our feet as we walk around Avebury. 

"However, the topsoil here is very thin and the archaeology can be quite near to the ground surface. So it’s important that we take steps now to ensure that people walking through the deepening mud don’t damage the site.

"The henge and West Kennet Avenue have been here for 5,000 years, and it’s our responsibility to make sometimes difficult decisions that will ensure it’s here for another 5,000 years and beyond."

The National Trust say it could be a "few weeks" before the ground has dried out enough to allow the henge and avenue to reopen.

The Red Lion pub, Alexander Keiller Museum, Avebury Manor and other trust facilities will be open as normal. 

During the henge closure, parking in the National Trust car park will be free.

Wet weather has also affected other nearby properties, the National Trust said. At Dyrham Park, near Bath, parts of the parkland have been closed.

For more, visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury.