Burderop Down

Downs, Moorland in Wiltshire

England

Burderop Down

Burderop Down is a prominent geographical feature located in the county of Wiltshire, England. Situated just south of the town of Swindon, it forms part of the larger Marlborough Downs, an area renowned for its natural beauty and historic significance.

Covering an expansive area, Burderop Down is characterized by its undulating hills, open grassland, and patches of dense woodland. The terrain is largely composed of chalk and limestone, giving rise to unique flora and fauna that thrive in this habitat. The down offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Ridgeway, an ancient trackway used since prehistoric times.

The area is rich in archaeological heritage, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts, and Roman settlements have all been discovered on Burderop Down, providing a glimpse into the region's past.

The down is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including rare species such as the Adonis blue butterfly and the skylark. It also provides a habitat for grazing animals like sheep and cattle, contributing to the maintenance of the landscape's ecological balance.

Burderop Down is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for walking, hiking, and birdwatching. Several footpaths and bridleways crisscross the area, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace.

Overall, Burderop Down stands as a beautiful and historically significant area within the Marlborough Downs, attracting both nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Burderop Down Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.486513/-1.764869 or Grid Reference SU1676. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Undated field system, Burderop Down

This is a well-preserved field system which extends for approximately 600m across the north-facing slopes of Burderop Down, just east of Barbury Castle. Individual fields vary in shape and include both long, narrow and smaller square examples. The enclosing field boundaries are formed by well preserved banks up to 1.5m high and 10m wide which define units of land ranging in size from 2ha to 3ha. Link

Although commonly called "Celtic" fields, it is not know whether they date from the Iron Age or even earlier. This image is stitched together from two photographs.

Vieve Forward

Road to Barbury Castle

The gradient and narrowness of this hill make it treacherous at the best of times.

Vieve Forward

Shooting school, Burderop Down

The strange objects to the left of the picture are extendable platforms from which clay pigeons are launched. More traps can be seen on the ground.

Vieve Forward

Field system, Burderop Down

This is a well-preserved field system on the north-facing slopes of Burderop Down, just east of Barbury Castle. Link

Although commonly called "Celtic" fields, it is not know whether they date from the Iron Age or even earlier.

Vieve Forward

Poppies

Poppies growing in a field of flax, with Four Mile Clump in the background

David Tyers

Stile where a public footpath leaves the main trackway

Stile at the start of little used public footpath OSTA35. Beyond is Barbury Hill. To the left, on the horizon, can be seen two of the prominent clumps of beech trees close to the Ridgeway between Hackpen Hill and Barbury Castle.

David Tyers