20th October 2025

Visitors to Wiltshire’s White Sheet Hill and Mere Down can now enjoy an improved experience of its stunning nature-rich landscape and a deeper understanding of its archaeological history, following the completion of a collaborative project led by the Duchy of Cornwall and the National Trust, along with their local farming tenants.

The project, also supported by Defra’s FiPL (Farming in Protected Landscapes) programme, covers more than 10.5 miles of walking routes across over 1,000 hectares, including three Duchy of Cornwall farms and two farms on the neighbouring National Trust estate.

Accessibility across the landscape has been significantly improved through a series of enhancements, including the installation of large accessible kissing gates and 18 two-way gates replacing old wooden stiles. These improvements make it easier for more people to explore and enjoy the beauty of White Sheet Hill and Mere Down.

Orientation is helped by a panoramic dial, with braille inscriptions, that sits atop a local Chilmark stone plinth, highlighting features of the landscape. An interpretation board, with text transcribed into braille, provides further information along with a map of suggested routes.

Offering a fun and educational activity for families visiting the area, 17 QR codes have been placed around the landscape, linking to an interactive website with detailed information on biodiversity, habitats, key species, historical features and how the farmers carefully manage this distinct landscape. The QR codes include reminders of the Countryside Code, encouraging visitors to explore the area responsibly. In addition, visitors will find 34 zinc rubbings depicting local species in raised engravings.

A popular visitor destination, White Sheet Hill and Mere Down spans both the Duchy Manor of Mere, which dates back to 1337, and the Stourhead Estate which is cared for by the National Trust. White Sheet Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a vast expanse of species rich chalk grassland and is part of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Multiple ancient scheduled monuments also occur across the site including White Sheet Camp Hill Fort, bowl barrows and strip lynchets plus large areas of open access land.

“With the Duchy of Cornwall committed to providing communities with good access to nature, we are delighted to have been able to work with our local tenant farmers and the National Trust to deliver this project. Not only does being out in nature bring huge benefits to people’s mental and physical wellbeing, but visitors will also be able learn more about the local farming practices, as well the area’s rich history and wildlife. Through improved walking routes, accessible infrastructure, and interactive educational features, we hope to make it easier for visitors to enjoy and learn about this landscape.”

“We've welcomed this opportunity to work alongside our neighbours, the Duchy of Cornwall, farm tenants and Cranbourne Chase National Landscape to bring the story of this ancient landscape, its rich nature and farming to life. We hope it inspires and encourages more people to explore further and connect with the nature and history here."