Grove Down

Downs, Moorland in Wiltshire

England

Grove Down

Candown Copse, Wiltshire Looking south over Westdown Artillery Range from the vicinity of Candown Copse. — Candown Copse, Wiltshire Credit: Rebecca A Wills

Grove Down is a stunning natural landscape located in the county of Wiltshire, England. It is part of the larger area known as the Downs, which refers to a series of rolling hills in southern England. This particular region is characterized by its vast open spaces, lush green meadows, and picturesque countryside views.

Covering an area of approximately 10 square kilometers, Grove Down is primarily composed of moorland, which is a type of open habitat characterized by low-growing vegetation and peaty soil. The area is rich in biodiversity and is home to a variety of plants and animals. Visitors to Grove Down can expect to see heather, gorse, and various grasses covering the landscape, providing a vibrant and colorful backdrop.

The terrain of Grove Down is undulating, with gentle slopes and small valleys. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The area is crisscrossed with footpaths and trails, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty at their own pace.

Grove Down is also known for its historical significance, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Archaeological finds in the area include ancient burial mounds and remnants of settlements from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods. These archaeological sites add another layer of interest and intrigue to Grove Down, attracting history enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Overall, Grove Down in Wiltshire is a captivating and diverse landscape, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and rich history of the region.

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Grove Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.255981/-1.9255072 or Grid Reference SU0550. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Candown Copse, Wiltshire

Looking south over Westdown Artillery Range from the vicinity of Candown Copse.

Rebecca A Wills

Candown Copse, Wiltshire

Warning signs controlling access to the Westdown Artillery range impact area, in the vicinity of Candown Copse.

Rebecca A Wills

West Down Plantation, Wiltshire

Looking north west from over the Westdown Artillery Range from West Down Plantation. This area is within the Westdown Artillery Range danger area, but is open to walkers on the bridleways when no red flags are displayed.

Rebecca A Wills

East Down, Wiltshire

Looking northeast along a bridleway on East Down. This area is within the Westdown Artillery Range danger area, but is open to walkers on the bridleways when no red flags are displayed.

Rebecca A Wills

East Down, Wiltshire

Looking northeast along a bridleway on East Down. This area is within the Westdown Artillery Range danger area, but is open to walkers on the bridleways when no red flags are displayed.

Rebecca A Wills

Westdown Camp - 4x4s Playing In The Mud

A group of 4x4 vehicles playing in the mud.

Chris Talbot

Old Turnpike road across Westdown/Larkhill ranges

On the Salisbury Plain Training area, looking North.

Andrew Haynes

Hawthorn on Salisbury Plain

Grass and hawthorn trees are pretty much standard for Salisbury Plain. Indeed, in this area a casual inspection will find little else.

Doug Lee

Byway and old warning sign

This warning sign is looking in need of replacement. However, it is identical to many others every half kilometre or so along the track and so it is unlikely that passers by will accidentally ignore it. The sign contains the following message: Danger. Do not leave this road. Do not touch anything it may explode and kill you.

Doug Lee

Sheltered area on Salisbury Plain

This section of land is protected by higher ground to the northwest and southeast. This seems to allow rather more vigorous looking growth of trees. On the whole, it is a very pleasant and secluded spot.

Doug Lee

View across to grazing sheep

In the distance, (probably just on the eastern edge of this grid square and just into the SU0550 ) a flock of sheep are grazing oblivious to the purported threat of unexploded ordnance. The foreground again shows the scrubby vegetation typical in this area.

Doug Lee

View beside byway on Westdown Artillery Range

The right of access ends at the low ground beside the trees 300m away although the track continues on to join up to another byway.

Doug Lee

View Northwest across Summer Down

This is the eastern end of the Westdown Artillery Range.

Doug Lee

Larkhill Artillery Range

This grid square is mostly inaccessible with the only accessible point being the small section of track from which this photograph was taken. Nonetheless, the view here seems typical of the square - mostly open grassland. The small bump on the horizon to the left of the image is the long barrow Ell Barrow.

Doug Lee

View across edge of Westdown Artillery Range

This area is the eastern edge of the Westdown Artillery Range. The track through this grid square can be seen in the middle distances to the left of the image.

Doug Lee