Salisbury Plain

Salisbury Plain is a chalk plateau in Wiltshire, England, covering an area of approximately 300 square miles and representing the largest area of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe. The plain has been used as a military training area since the late 19th century and much of its area is controlled by the Ministry of Defence, which paradoxically has helped preserve its ancient landscape and archaeological heritage from modern agricultural improvement. The plain is of extraordinary archaeological significance, containing over 2,000 scheduled ancient monuments including Stonehenge, Woodhenge, and numerous Bronze Age and Iron Age earthworks. The chalk downland supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna including rare grassland butterflies and birds.