A prominent member of the Stonehenge Alliance, the organisation formed to oppose development in the Stonehenge World Heritage Site, has died.

Dr Kate Fielden was an archaeologist, environmental campaigner and honorary secretary to the Stonehenge Alliance. She was also a trustee for the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s (CPRE) Wiltshire chapter, which she joined in 1986, and a member of the Avebury Society.

The CPRE said in an announcement that Kate "brought her invaluable knowledge of history and context, thanks to her background as an archaeologist, to help protect the North Wessex Downs AONB, the famous Kennet chalk stream and Wiltshire’s many historic villages from unsuitable development. Her attention to detail in all her campaigns was second to none."

In 2012, CPRE President Sir Andrew Motion presented her with a High Commendation in the Marsh awards for Countryside Champion of the Year for the work she carried out for the organisation.  

Kate was a regular commentator on potential developments within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site and last spoke to the Journal about the latest green lighting of the Stonehenge tunnel project less than two weeks ago.

The Stonehenge Alliance posted on its website and Facebook page on Sunday, July 24 that Kate had died on Friday, July 21.

The Stonehenge Alliance said: “Kate spearheaded our campaigns to safeguard Stonehenge World Heritage Site from harm for over 30 years. 

"Our deepest sympathies go to her family and friends.”

Stonehenge Alliance member Andy Norfolk said: “This really is sad news. I've known Kate for over 20 years during my involvement with Stonehenge Alliance. She was dedicated to trying to save Stonehenge from the various abominations our governments have wanted to inflict upon it. A real heritage hero. She will be greatly missed by very many.”

King Arthur Pendragon said: “She was an inspiration to many. May she now find peace.”

Stephan Dömpke, chairman of the World Heritage Watch said: “She was, together with Kate Freeman, the face of the struggle to save Stonehenge - deliberate, determined, and a fighting spirit with all her grace and lovely personality. She left us much too early, and she left a huge gap almost impossible to fill. The world has lost a true and great fighter for our common heritage.”