26-04-2025
First maintenance visit of the year for giant chalk 'Map of Australia'
A chalk badge depicting the 'Map of Australia' near Salisbury has received its first maintenance visit of the year.
The badge, carved into Compton Down by Australian soldiers during the First World War, was attended to by Map of Australia Trust volunteers on Saturday, April 19.
The badge has been a significant feature in the landscape since its creation.
Over the decades, it has experienced periods of decline and restoration, disappearing from view in the early 2000s due to lack of maintenance.
READ MORE: Volunteers carry out maintenance work at chalk Map of Australia carved in WW1
The trust's volunteers maintain the badge throughout the year. (Image: Helen Roberts) In 2017, local resident Helen Roberts established the Map of Australia Trust to restore the badge.
The restoration work was completed in 2018 under the guidance of Historic England, as it is a scheduled ancient monument.
The trust's volunteers maintain the badge throughout the year, weeding and topping up with chalk.
They also hold an annual Anzac Day service, a tradition that began on the hillside in 1917.
This year's service will take place at 10am on Friday, April 25, meeting at Naishes Farmyard, A30, Compton Chamberlayne, SP3 5DL.
Light refreshments will be available in the village hall, Compton Chamberlayne from 11.15am for those unable to make the climb up the hill.
Full details can be found on the Map of Australia Trust website.
The trust is always looking for more volunteers to help with the maintenance of the badge.
Those interested can find more details on the website or email ww1australiamap@
