A project to improve access and preserve the historic Bride's Mound in Glastonbury has triggered a wave of online criticism, dividing local opinion and sparking a protest rally.

The changes are part of a government-funded redevelopment under the Glastonbury Town Deal. The aim: to make the 33-acre site more accessible and resilient, while preserving its historic and spiritual significance.

But some residents have described the works as "bulldozing holy ground" and accuse the project leaders of ignoring the sacred character of the site.

So what's really going on?

What is Bride's Mound?

Bride's Mound is a scheduled ancient monument on Glastonbury's western edge, near Beckery. It is associated with both the Celtic goddess Bride and St Brigid of Kildare and has long held spiritual significance for both Christian and pagan traditions.

Archaeological digs have revealed fifth-century monastic remains, making it the earliest known monastic site in Britain.

The land has been cared for since the 1990s by the Friends of Bride's Mound (FOBM), a local volunteer group dedicated to preserving its ecological and spiritual value.

What does the project involve?

The approved planning application (2023/1440/FUL) includes:

• A gravel path to the summit of the mound, designed for wheelchair and mobility aid access.
• A small, single-storey roundhouse on a previously tarmacked site, to be used for educational and community activities.
• Stone markers outlining the historical footprint of the original chapel and priest's house.
• Nature restoration, including wildflower planting, orchard work, and shallow scrapes to enhance biodiversity.
• The path is made from compacted stone-dust and is expected to blend into the landscape over time.

Photo: Liz Leyshon

When was the project approved?

Here's a timeline:

• May 2023: Glastonbury is awarded £23.6 million through the Towns Fund for 11 local projects, including Bride's Mound.
• March - May 2023: A number of public open days are held at Glastonbury Town Hall to present plans to the community.
• July 2023: The planning application for the works at Brides Mound are submitted to Somerset Council.
• July 2024: Somerset Council grants planning permission. No objections or public comments are submitted during the consultation.
• Spring 2025: Pathway construction begins.
• July 2025: Online opposition grows, with claims the site is being "gentrified." A petition and protest rally are launched.

Builders near the site (Photo: Liz Leyshon)

What are the objections?

Some people believe the development is out of step with the site's spiritual significance. A petition launched in July calls for:

• Removal of the gravel path.
• Redirection of planned cycle routes.
• Greater consultation with spiritual communities.
• Protection of the site's 'natural and sacred' landscape.

A protest rally is planned for Saturday 2 August at the Market Cross. Organisers are calling on supporters to "bring songs, poems and banners" and to wear blue and white "in celebration of Avalon and the Goddess."

Members of the public at a Town Deal open day in February 2023 (Photo: Glastonbury Town Deal board)

What do supporters say?

Supporters argue the works ensure inclusive access and long-term protection from future development.

Somerset councillor Liz Leyshon said the works aim to "preserve heritage and nature while opening the site to all."

FOBM say the development has been years in the making, fully documented online, and consistent with their mission of preserving Bride's Mound for spiritual, historical and ecological purposes.

Blogger Normal for Glastonbury visited the site over the weekend and chatted with some of the people involved in the project. She wrote about her experiences here.

So why the backlash now?

Despite over a decade of public documentation, the project's recent visibility — especially the newly laid path — has reignited concern. Critics point to the site's spiritual role, while others cite worries about future tourism or "gentrification."

Terms used in the Town Deal's funding bid, such as "branding" and "visitor attraction," have also stirred suspicion.

What's next?

The Bride's Mound redevelopment is set to continue through 2026. The site remains open and free to visit.