Salisbury Plain

Salisbury Plain, chalk plateau in south-western England; located in southern Wiltshire, north of Salisbury, the Plain covers an area of approximately 775 sq km (300 sq mi), drained to the south by the River Avon. It is largely without trees and much of it is used as a pasture for sheep. Most of its northern area is covered by a large military training ground. Salisbury Plain shows evidence of its occupation by ancient civilizations of which many monuments, most notably Stonehenge, are evidence, drawing visitors to the area in large numbers.