August 2004
DARTMOOR ARTEFACTS
As a result of some television programmes, natural stone is much in demand for "garden makeovers" - and the amount of stone (of various types) on sale at Garden Centres, seems to be on the increase.

However, when it comes to garden ornaments, the range and choice is phenomenal.

Concrete and recycled ground-up stone can produce reasonable cast or moulded items. Troughs, bird baths, animals (from frogs to felines, elves to 'edgehogs) ponds and water features, the choice is amazing and - for the majority of the people - perfectly acceptable and adequate.

So many of us are looking for more unusual garden ornaments

However, the real thing - hand made by craftsmen - has always been the prerogative and desire of the big estate gardens.

Marble statues, sculptured goddesses, nymphs and fountains, some spouting water into elaborate water features. From time to time some of these beautiful crafted items have been a temptation to thieves and many have gone missing over the years.

Think of Dartmoor, then think of granite. It's everywhere. In all sorts of shapes and sizes.

There has now developed a trade in Dartmoor Granite Ancient Artefacts, and there are numerous such items scattered around the moors.

Crosses, wayside markers, shaped or engraved stones, and in particular, the beautiful and varied granite crosses, have all become an irresistible temptation to some thieves.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority has become aware of this and is so concerned it has decided to take action to make them more difficult to steal.

beating the thief >>>