A group of gym enthusiasts has sparked controversy after using ancient protected stones as workout equipment during a visit to Stanton Moor in the Derbyshire Peak District over the recent Bank Holiday weekend. The group was spotted exercising at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle, a historic and protected site, drawing criticism from historians and local preservation groups. The incident has raised concerns about the respect and care with which such heritage sites are treated by the public. The Nine Ladies Action Group, a local advocacy group, condemned the gym group for being "disrespectful" and "crazy," suggesting the group may have intended to use the stones as a backdrop for social media posts. Aimee Blease-Bourne, chairperson of the group, emphasized that the site is "sacred and protected," part of an ancient scheduled monument that includes around 80 different Bronze Age megalithic sites. She expressed hope for future collaboration with local authorities and the Peak District National Park to better enforce protections and raise awareness about the site's historical significance. Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding the potential impact of the group's actions. The Derbyshire Wanderer, a well-known walking blog, warned that moving a boulder from its natural resting place can cause "direct, immediate, and long-term ecological damage." The blog explained that such actions can destroy microhabitats that have taken years or decades to form, potentially harming rare insects, spiders, mosses, lichens, and amphibians. It also warned that throwing rocks could harm nesting birds, small mammals, and hibernating reptiles, while removing the rocks exposes fragile soil to the elements, leading to erosion and drying out. Authorities have been alerted to the potential damage caused by the gym group. A spokesperson from the Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed that damaging such a monument is a criminal offense, which could result in fines or even jail time in severe cases. They encouraged anyone with information about the incident to contact the police via 101 or the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page. The Nine Ladies Stone Circle consists of 10 large coarse sandstone rocks, each with a diameter of 10.8 meters, constructed between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago. According to local tradition, the stones are believed to represent nine ladies who were turned to stone as punishment for dancing on a Sunday. The site holds both historical and cultural significance, making it a focal point for preservation efforts and public awareness campaigns.