Pewsey Downs

Pewsey Downs is a protected site covering about 305 hectares of chalk grassland on the southern edge of the Marlborough Downs, marked by steep slopes and diverse native plant species. The terrain displays distinctive chalk formations and rolling hillsides that define this part of the landscape.

The site received formal protection as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1951, marking the beginning of legal safeguards for the chalk downland ecosystem. This designation ensured that the sensitive environment would be preserved as understanding of its ecological value grew.

The Alton Barnes White Horse, a chalk figure on the hillside, serves as a regional landmark that draws visitors to this part of the Downs. It connects the natural landscape with local identity and has become a focal point for those exploring the area.

Several walking trails crisscross the site, offering routes of varying difficulty for different interests. Visitors should stay on marked paths and keep distance from protected areas to avoid disturbing the sensitive vegetation.

The reserve holds hundreds of thousands of early gentian plants, ranking among the largest populations of this species in England. This exceptional botanical concentration makes the site remarkably valuable for those interested in wildflowers and plant diversity.