A MAP of Australia that was carved into the northern slope of Compton Down by Australian soldiers during the First World War has been maintained by a group of volunteers.

The chalk map, near Compton Chamberlayne, disappeared from view in the early 2000s but was restored in 2018 and is now cared for by the Map of Australia Trust.

The volunteers' last trip to carry out maintenance work took place on Sunday, October 13.

The map is one of the last surviving features of the Hurdcott Camp, a large training and convalescent camp that was established in 1915 and was used by London and northern regiments until it was taken over Australian troops in 1917. 

The camp could accommodate 3,500 men and was full of huts, training areas, practice trenches and gas and rifle ranges.

Hurdcott remained in use until 1919, when it held Australians waiting for their ships home.

The giant map was carved into the downland by Australian soldiers at Hurdcott CampThe giant map was carved into the downland by Australian soldiers at Hurdcott Camp (Image: Map of Australia Trust) Trustee Helen Roberts leads the group of volunteers who make several trips per year to the map to keep it weed-free and to top it up with chalk.

“We are a very small team who work hard in keeping this unique feature in our landscape visible to passers by,” she said.

“The work of the trust continues, and we hope to do more in the future to tell the story of the Australians in Wiltshire during the First World War. 

“We welcome new volunteers, so if you are interested in helping us, please contact us via email ww1australiamap@gmail.com.”