The National Trust has started to repair and rebuild a 23 metre section of Hadrian's Wall which collapsed due to visitors walking on it and removing stones.
Hadrian's Wall is a World Heritage Site and a scheduled ancient monument, meaning it enjoys the highest level of protection that can be given to it. For example, doing anything to a scheduled ancient monument without consent is a criminal offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 and can attract significant fines.
Most of the 70 mile long wall is accessible to the public for free, and is a very popular tourist attraction. However, despite requests not to walk on the wall itself, it would seem that the urge has been difficult to resist for many, and damage has occurred.
