National Grid volunteers chalk up a brighter future for Devizes’ White Horse
Volunteers from National Grid and its supply chain have helped restore the Millennium White Horse on Roundway Hill, returning the much-loved local landmark to its brilliant white finish.
The volunteering effort was led by National Grid’s North Wessex Downs Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project team.
The White Horse, which overlooks an overhead electricity line that will be removed as part of the VIP project, was first cut into Roundway Hill in 1999 to mark the new millennium.
Since then, it has become a much-loved local landmark. Over time, however, the chalk had faded and vegetation had started to affect its appearance.
Devizes Town Council, which owns and manages the White Horse, supported the re-chalking work. Local landowners and farmers also helped volunteers access the site and arrange deliveries of materials.
Around 50 volunteers from National Grid and its supply chain took part over four days. Using buckets and wheelbarrows, they spread fresh chalk across the surface before raking and compacting it to create an even finish. Between 25 and 30 tonnes of chalk were used in total.
As volunteers put the finishing touches to the White Horse, they were joined by the Mayor of Devizes, Councillor Vanessa Tanner. BBC Points West also visited the site to film the final stages and interview Councillor Tanner, project team members and volunteers.
Speaking to the BBC, Councillor Tanner said:
“The project is brilliant! It’s absolutely amazing and the Millennium White Horse is now so bright and clear from a distance. I cycle my bike across the green and I can see it so much more clearly than I could before.”
Amardeep Malhi, Project Manager for the North Wessex Downs VIP project, said:
“The Millennium White Horse is a much-loved part of Devizes, and it’s been a real pleasure to help care for a landmark that means so much to local people.
“At National Grid, we’re committed to supporting the communities where we work. Volunteering gives us the chance to roll up our sleeves and give something back.
“We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this happen, from our volunteers to the council, local landowners and farmers. Seeing the White Horse looking bright and crisp again is something we can all take pride in.”
To find out more about the North Wessex Downs VIP project or our work in the area, contact the project team at [email protected] or call 0330 134 0051 between 9am and 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. If we are unable to answer, please leave a message and a member of the team will call you back.