Martin Down

...is one of the largest natural chalk grassland Nature Reserves in the country. At 342 hectares, it takes a good hour to walk across its width, to the hills in the distance.

Officially situated in Hampshire, Wiltshire is only yards away and all the footpath notices that I walked on toward the south and up to Pentridge Hill have Dorset county council all over them.

This sight must have been quite something, back in the spring and summer. Flowers and butterflies as far as the eye could see. I must return much sooner, next time!

LARGE

Buses are very infrequent, hence I was here last way back as far back as 2011.

Unfortunately the Natural England link keeps breaking. Do Google yourself if interested. It is also a site of historical interest, as an Army rifle range in the two World wars and as far back as the bronze age and Grim's Ditch runs through it, as does Bokerley Dyke, both thought to be Iron Age. The Roman Road between Old Sarum and Bradbury Ring ran adjacent to the site. Apparently, even a Dr Who episode has been filmed here!

Lens is Nikkor 16-85mm VR

DERELICT THURSDAY Challenge Week 5

Thanks to ALL who entered. We had the same number as last week. Some newcomers and some who've skipped this week.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to comment on many this week, BUT my Favourite goes to RaspberryJefe and his brilliant, hilarious and clever take on a classic movie. He even appears as himself! Not only is his setting very derelict, he even manages some red balloons for Blip's 10th birthday...

Rainie gets my Runner-Up. She always posts great entries for the Challenge and this one has an air of mystery and intrigue about it and the very wide lens adds an uncertainty about its size. Quite mythical!