A BBC Radio Wiltshire series highlighting great places to visit in the North Wessex Downs in Wiltshire starts this week. Gill Haggarty, Chair of our Council of Partners, took Ben Prater from BBC Radio Wiltshire on a tour to help raise awareness of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, and encourage more people to visit. Listen in at around 7.20 and 8.20 each morning on the Ben Prater show from 9th March, and from 8.50am from the 30th March.
Nature and farming thriving next to the M4
Their first stop was a visit to Josef Bowles Farm, looking out over the North Wessex Downs with views over to Liddington Castle. Josef farms Dexter cattle to high standards of animal welfare and environmental sustainability. Despite the proximity to the M4, which can be glimpsed through the trees, the farm is a surprisingly peaceful place to visit. It can be accessed on foot or cycle way from Swindon via Coate Water to the north, and from the village of Chiseldon to the south. Visitors can cycle through the farm along the old railway line between Chiseldon and Marlborough, or as part of a walk starting in Chiseldon and including Coate Water.
Josef showed his Dexter cattle happily grazing in a field next to the M4. We also learnt about the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on his farm, home to rare butterflies including the Purple Emperor. Josef has been supported through our Farming In Protected Landscapes fund to provide cattle fencing. Josef holds regular ‘Burger on the Farm’ events on the farm, find more details here.
Coate Water to Chiseldon walk
Stunning views from Hackpen Hill
Our next stop was a visit to the Hackpen White Horse. Despite the never-ending rain over the past month we were blessed with glimpses of sunshine and a brisk breeze to enjoy the wonderful views. Ben stopped to chat to some walkers who shared how much they enjoyed being in the North Wessex Downs.
Gill shared some of the history of the Hackpen White Horse, as well as the other seven North Wessex Downs White Horses (all in Wiltshire, other than the most well-known Uffington white horse in Oxfordshire). Hackpen White Horse was cut to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838. All of the white horses need to be maintained, including re-liming every few years. The North Wessex Downs National Landscape are supporting efforts to research and maintain the white horses, with projects completed on the Broad Town horse so far and a project on the Pewsey White Horse in progress.
Views of the Hackpen White Horse are best enjoyed from the A361 between Avebury and Swindon at Broad Hinton, but you can also get up close from the car park at the top of Hackpen Hill. From here walking along the Ridgeway can be enjoyed, towards Barbury Castle to the east and Avebury to the south. Known as Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway stretches for 85 miles, through the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns National Landscapes.
Visit the North Wessex Downs White Horses
A little-known wildlife haven on the River Kennet
Next, we visited the Stonebridge Wild River Reserve, just a short walk from the busy Marlborough high street. We met Anna Forbes, from Action for the River Kennet, who talked about the benefits to the local community of enjoying nature at this tranquil site. We also heard how this oasis was threatened from the ongoing issue of sewage discharge. A boardwalk allows visitors to explore the river side, and a small beach provides a perfect paddling spot for children in the summer.
Visit Stonebridge Wild River Reserve
Living history at Wilton Windmill
Our last stop was to the oldest working windmill in Wessex of Wilton Windmill. Here we were shown inside by volunteer John Herbert, and enjoyed more spectacular views of the landscape. Wilton Windmill is open to the public every Sunday from Easter weekend, with access throughout the year to view the windmill from the outside.
There is a huge amount to see nearby too, with Crofton Pumping station, the Kennet and Avon Canal, Wilton Wetland and the picturesque villages of Wilton and Great Bedwyn nearby. Follow this walk on our website to enjoy the area.
Visit Wilton Windmill