Good news · Nature & wildlife · 9 November 2026
Bride Stone raised at Valley of Stones reserve
Natural England has announced that the Bride Stone, a 5-foot ancient sarsen, has been repositioned at the Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve. Archaeological work suggests the stone was part of a Stone Age tomb. The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Natural England has confirmed the repositioning of the Bride Stone at the Valley of Stones National Nature Reserve. The 5-foot sarsen was raised and moved to serve as a focal point for visitors. Rob Beard, reserve manager for Natural England, said: "I'm thrilled to have the Bride Stone standing over the valley."
Excavations at the site indicate the stone was once part of a Stone Age tomb. In 2022, a rare 6,000-year-old polishing stone was also discovered nearby. Dr Anne Teather, director of Past Participate, noted that the repositioning celebrates these recent discoveries. The work was supported by Natural England and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The organisation aims to create or extend 25 National Nature Reserves by 2027. This initiative forms part of a wider effort to enhance protected areas. The Bride Stone will now stand as a permanent feature within the reserve landscape.
Written by StreetOwl from Natural England’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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