The Modern Village
Above : View from southern Steepleton parish boundary looking north. In 2019, the National Grid started its multi million pound project to remove some 8kM (5 miles) of overhead power lines and pylons and to bury new power lines underground. Unfortunately, the smaller local power lines are to remain and the carbon footprint of the works must be off the scale !! Lots of archeological excavations though.
(Photo RC Dec 2020)
Above: Close up of inland Coast Path on Steepleton boundary with a light controlled crossing. (Photo RC Dec 2020)
More views of the National Grid's pylon removal works but in Winterbourne Abbas.
(RC Feb 2021).
^ Above : Work areas to north of A35 and west of village.
< Left : Main temporary access road to the south of A35 and just outside west end of village adjoining Dorchester Collection car sales (formerly the "Little Chef")
Above : The works viewed from north side of valley at Steepleton looking south west.
Below : Winterbourne Abbas viewed from same point - looking west. (both photos RC March 2021)
Left : Just to the south of the parish is the Hardy Monument (22m - 72ft high) built in 1844 in honour of Nelson's Flag Captain at Trafalgar (Hardy lived in Portesham the village to the south of this South Dorset Ridgeway). It was built to resemble a spyglass and is still used by shipping at sea as a landmark - visible for 60 miles on a clear day. An unusual sight clad in scaffolding ! (Photo RC July 2011)