Coulston Down

Downs, Moorland in Wiltshire

England

Coulston Down

Well, near Imber The well, which is under the rusted grating between the RH and middle post, is in what may have been a village site, possibly Medieval. <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/artsheritageandlibraries/museumhistoryheritage/wiltshireandswindonhistoricenvironmentrecord/wshermap.htm?a=d&amp;id=14310" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/artsheritageandlibraries/museumhistoryheritage/wiltshireandswindonhistoricenvironmentrecord/wshermap.htm?a=d&amp;id=14310">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Well, near Imber Credit: Vieve Forward

Coulston Down is a vast expanse of open land located in Wiltshire, England. It is situated on the southern edge of Salisbury Plain, near the village of Coulston. The area is characterized by its rolling hills, expansive grasslands, and patches of woodland, creating a diverse and visually appealing landscape.

The downland of Coulston Down is predominantly composed of chalk, resulting in rich and fertile soil that sustains a wide variety of plant life. The grasslands are covered in a tapestry of wildflowers during the spring and summer months, creating a vibrant and colorful display. The area is also home to several species of rare and protected plants, including the Adonis blue butterfly, which is a sight to behold for nature enthusiasts.

Apart from its natural beauty, Coulston Down also holds historical significance. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic era. The downland is dotted with ancient burial mounds, known as barrows, and remnants of Iron Age hillforts, providing a glimpse into the region's rich historical past.

Visitors to Coulston Down can explore the numerous footpaths and bridleways that crisscross the area, making it a popular destination for hikers, walkers, and horse riders. The views from the downland are breathtaking, with sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside, including Salisbury Plain and the distant hills of the Marlborough Downs.

Overall, Coulston Down offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the charm of Wiltshire's countryside.

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Coulston Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.25366/-2.0753784 or Grid Reference ST9450. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Well, near Imber

The well, which is under the rusted grating between the RH and middle post, is in what may have been a village site, possibly Medieval. Link

Vieve Forward

Tank on ridge, near Imber

This derelict tank, perhaps the same as in Link sits on the ridge possibly for use as target practice by soldiers during training exercises. (Photo taken on zoom.)

Vieve Forward

Round barrows near Imber

Two bowl barrows, possibly components of a twin barrow Link

Link

probably Bronze Age, on the Warminster Road west of Imber. The barrows have been damaged, probably by military activity.

Vieve Forward

Tank track descending towards the Warminster Road, near Imber

A deeply-rutted tank track descending towards the Warminster Road west of Imber.

Vieve Forward

Military converted containers

On the military training area here, they appear to be converted into small shelters.

Robin Webster

Livestock water supply, Imber tank ranges

Evidently there is no piped water here, there is certainly little natural water.

Robin Webster

Imber tank ranges

The white-topped posts mark tank crossing points of the sometimes public road to Imber.

Robin Webster

Imber, warning sign

On a track climbing up to downland above the valley.

Mike Faherty

Imber, track & sign

Climbing up above the road on a military track.

Mike Faherty

Imber, barn & containers

Off Southdown Track. The containers seem to have been adapted to include windows: for observation or protection?

Mike Faherty

Imber, Southdown Track

Military road from Imber to Bratton, opened occasionally to civilian traffic by MoD: Link

Mike Faherty

Salisbury Plain [16]

An exercise area alongside the road to Bratton. For a few days each year the public are allowed into the military training area on Salisbury Plain.

Michael Dibb

Woodman's Coppice, Wiltshire

Looking towards Wadman's Coppice from the Imber Road. The Imber Road (running through an MoD danger area) is opened to the public for a few days each year, giving a glimpse of a remote and undeveloped corner of Wiltshire. Visitors are requested to keep to the main routes and not wander into the danger area.

Rebecca A Wills

Imber Village, Wiltshire

Looking south from the Imber Road, to the west of Imber Village. The Imber Road (running through an MoD danger area) is opened to the public for a few days each year, giving a glimpse of a remote and undeveloped corner of Wiltshire. Visitors are requested to keep to the main routes and not wander into the danger area.

Rebecca A Wills

Tenantry Down, Wiltshire

A mock Afghanistani Training Village in the vicinity of Tenantry Down, taken from the Imber Range Path. The Imber Range Path (running through an MoD danger area) is opened to the public for a few days each year, giving a glimpse of a remote and undeveloped corner of Wiltshire. Visitors are requested to keep to the main routes and not wander into the danger area.

Rebecca A Wills