Rocks, human, nature - Stone Circle Pilgrims

A stone circle in nature, a place of contemplation, learning, pilgrimage. 

 A large stone circle, for seating, bordering the footpath where it overlooks the quarry, built using boulders found within the gravels and sands of the quarry, represents the key element of our socially engaging creative project. 

These boulders, including rare Hertfordshire puddingstone, which is unique to this area, were deposited by the ancestral Thames, once a powerful braided river.  This ‘stone migration’ is mirrored today in the migratory paths of birds, animals and humans across the landscape – this is an area of constant change.  

 Castings of animal footprints from across the quarry will be taken and embedded in the ground surrounding the stone circle as education guides to wildlife in the area.  

These selected stones will be laid flat inviting people to sit. The welcoming elements of the space will be a destination for people to explore, pause and reflect and wildlife to discover.   

As part of the project, the team will engage with local community groups, schools and societies.  With the culmination of the project being a summer pilgrimage from Channels and Beaulieu estates, meeting at the stone circle. 

This area could also be used by Heidelberg Materials, via information boards, to inform the public about local wildlife, environment, geology, history, and work carried out at the quarry.