• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Tuesday October 6 2026

Bristol scaffolding team rise to challenge at Wiltshire landmark

A specialist scaffolding team has completed a major access structure at one of Wiltshire’s best-known landmarks, after overcoming steep tracks, difficult ground conditions and an exposed hilltop location at the Lansdowne Monument near Calne.

Bristol-based Shield Services Group was brought in by conservation specialists Cliveden Conservation to design and install the scaffolding needed to allow important restoration and conservation work to begin on the Grade II* listed monument.

Standing 38 metres tall, the Lansdowne Monument has overlooked the surrounding Wiltshire countryside since it was erected in 1845. Its prominent position on Cherhill Down, combined with the steep and heavily rutted track leading to the site, presented a significant logistical challenge for the project team.

Large vehicles were unable to travel far up the track, while even four-wheel-drive access depended on the condition of the ground. The team enlisted the help of a local farmer to move materials and despite the conditions, completed the substantial scaffolding installation in just 19 days.

The project also required careful consideration of the monument’s sensitive historic setting, with the scaffolding occupying a highly visible position within the surrounding landscape.

Jamie Angell, Scaffolding Managing Director at Shield Services Group, said: “The Lansdowne Monument is a very distinctive part of the Wiltshire landscape, so we were delighted to play our part in helping to protect it for the future.

“Getting the materials to the monument was one of the biggest challenges. The access track is steep and difficult, and the weather and ground conditions could make things even more challenging. Working closely with the project team and a local farmer allowed us to find a practical way of getting everything where it needed to be.

“Our team then worked extremely hard to complete the scaffold installation in just 19 days. It was a challenging project, but a really rewarding one to be involved with.”

The completed scaffolding provides the safe access required for Cliveden Conservation and its specialist teams to carry out restoration and conservation work on the historic monument.

The Lansdowne Monument, also known as the Cherhill Monument, is a familiar sight across the surrounding countryside and is a prominent feature of the Cherhill Down landscape.

Jamie added: “Projects like this are a great example of the work that goes on behind the scenes to help preserve historic buildings and monuments.

“The scaffolding will allow the conservation specialists to carry out the work they need to do safely, and we’re proud to have been involved in helping to safeguard such an important local landmark.”

Shield Services Group’s scaffolding division works on projects across the South West and beyond, including heritage, commercial and complex access projects.

The company has previously worked on a range of high-profile structures, providing specialist scaffolding and access solutions to support restoration and construction work.