Walking and talking pylons in the North Wessex Downs

Starting at the Millenium White Horse, the five mile walk followed the path across Roundway Hill and the site of the Battle of Roundway Down before joining the Mid Wiltshire Way towards Beacon Hill and Oliver’s Castle. 

Along the way the 16-strong group of walkers were able to see for themselves the progress being made and positive impact the project will have on the landscape by viewing the 4.6km of overhead line and pylons that will be buried underground.

Damian Spurr, Senior Project Manager and Fiona Chikandwa, Project Supervisor, were on hand to answer questions about National Grid’s work, and why the landscape around the Millennium White Horse has been singled out by stakeholders for special attention. 

Participants heard from Ruth Panes, Project Manager at Wessex Archaeology, about the historic importance of the area and the archaeological survey work that has been carried out. Ruth spoke about the investigations that have uncovered an Iron Age settlement, that was hitherto unknown, as well as details of other finds including a well-preserved skeleton of a large dog dating to the Romano-British period. 

The group was also joined by Corinna Woodall from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, who provided an overview of the extensive work the organisation to nurture and project the historical natural environment.

Speaking after the event Fiona Chikandwa commented: “Going underground in the North Wessex Downs is a fantastic project that will transform the skyline around Devizes, and return the landscape to its former glory. 

“It’s fantastic to be able to discuss the project with members of the public as we start to bring the pylons off the landscape. I would like to thank the team at the North Wessex Walking Festival for facilitating this event and for giving us the opportunity to talk about our work and the incredible discoveries the archaeologists have uncovered.”