Cley Hill

Cley Hill is a chalk hill near Corsley that rises to 244 meters in elevation and contains multiple ecological zones. These zones support more than 100 plant species and numerous butterflies that thrive across the different habitats found here.

The site served as a burial location during the Bronze Age with burial mounds, then was fortified in the Iron Age with defensive ramparts. Medieval farmers later carved terraces into the southern slopes to adapt the terrain for growing crops.

A local legend tells that the hill formed when the devil dropped a sack of earth while trying to bury the town of Devizes. This story remains part of the region's folk tradition and adds a layer of meaning to the landscape for people who live nearby.

The National Trust manages public access to the site with free parking near the A36 junction. A short walk of about ten minutes leads from the parking area to the hilltop.

The site provides a habitat for the Adonis blue butterfly population, a species that depends on horseshoe vetch plants for survival. This specialized relationship between plant and insect makes the hill a notable place for those interested in butterflies.

Location: Corsley

GPS coordinates: 51.20308,-2.23326

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:49