VISITORS to the Glastonbury Tor for next week’s Winter Solstice are being urged to do their bit in protecting the ancient site.

Somerset County Council said previously, irresponsible parking on Stonedown Lane, close to the Tor’s north entrance, has been a feature of previous solstices, with emergency vehicles obstructed, access blocked for residents, and farmers unable to tend livestock.

Earlier this year, a new road layout was introduced at the north entrance to reinforce the clearway along Stonedown Lane and improve road safety.

The work was carried out by Glastonbury Multi Agency Group (MAG), which represents the county, district and town councils, as well as Avon and Somerset Police, working alongside the National Trust to protect the site.

Visitors are also reminded that there is limited parking for blue badge holders only at the north entrance to the Tor.

A detailed map can be accessed and downloaded from the council website (https://somersetnewsroom.files.wordpress.com/2022/06/solstice-parking-jpeg.pdf).

As well as parking restrictions in place, the council moved to remind people camping and fires are prohibited on Glastonbury Tor and the surrounding area.

National Trust Rangers, who look after the site, will be patrolling, while police and parking enforcement officers will also have a presence.

Penalty notices will be issued to those parked illegally, and where necessary, vehicles will be towed away.

Somerset County Council’s lead executive member for transport and digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, said: “Since the works were completed in March, Stonedown Lane is quieter, cleaner and safer for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. It’s helped farmers get to their fields and ensured access isn’t blocked for residents or emergency vehicles.

“This is not about restricting access to the Tor at the north entrance. There is disabled parking at the site for blue badge holders and plenty of parking in town in close proximity to the Tor entrances, with well-marked routes for walkers.

“We would urge people to help look after this special place by respecting the environment and, if able, to either cycle or walk to the Tor from town.”

The Winter Solstice, like its summer equivalent, is a landmark date for many cultures, believed to date back to Neolithic times.

Due to the lack of accepted calendars, astronomical events were used to highlight landmark ‘dates’ and guide activities such as sowing crops and stockpiling food for the winter months.

And because the Winter Solstice is the reversal of the sun’s ebbing in the sky, in many cultures it is seen as the point at which one cycles dies and another is born, so is often celebrated as a new beginning.

“We know this is a very important place for residents and visitors alike, and we really want to ensure everyone enjoys marking this year’s Winter Solstice,” Cllr Rigby added.

Joel Bunting, National Trust area ranger, said: “We encourage conscientious visitors to come to Glastonbury Tor and enjoy the Winter Solstice, we ask that visitors are respectful of the local community, mindful of the livestock and wildlife and help us look after this fantastic site by taking any litter home with you.

“I would also like to remind visitors that camping and fires are not allowed on the site.”