If walking is your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Wiltshire. There’s miles to roam, from village strolls to hilly hikes.
There’s also the Bulford Kiwi walk: it might be short but it packs in glorious views across the countryside and a wonderfully unique bit of local history.
Here’s everything you need to know to find, and appreciate the story behind, The Bulford Kiwi.
What is the Bulford Kiwi?
The Bulford Kiwi is a big carving of a Kiwi bird carved into a chalk hillside overlooking the Bulford Ranges on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. When I say big, I’m not kidding.
The body is about 1.5 acres, it’s the proud owner of a 46m long beak and stands guard over the 20m high letters NZ. No prizes for guessing what they stand for. It’s an amazing bit of Kiwiana set upon a Wiltshire hillside.
Bulford is the location. Once a sleepy village, Bulford is now home to an army camp and accompanying military ranges. A fact that takes us neatly to the question: who carved the Bulford Kiwi, and why?
The History of The Bulford Kiwi
The answer to the question of who and why involves a trip back in time to 1916. This area was the site of Sling Camp, home to soldiers from New Zealand who had travelled half way round the world to fight in WW1.
War over, with no troop ships available to get them home again, they faced a lengthy wait in Bulford. A long wait to go home, deaths from influenza and the mundane military routine did not a happy camp make.
The soldiers requested a more relaxed regime, a request which was denied. The result? A riot. Including but not limited to theft of food and liberation of alcohol from the Officers Mess.
The point was made: soldiers with nothing to do, will find something to do. And that something will probably involve trouble.
So came the idea of carving the Kiwi. Part discipline, part national pride, part make-work task.
A design was created from a sketch of a stuffed Kiwi found in the British Museum. Each day the soldiers were marched up the hill to excavate. Each evening, marched back down. Rinse and repeat until the job was done.
The work kept them busy until they could go home, leaving their memorial in the English countryside. A tribute for soldiers, by soldiers.
The NZ troops went home, Sling camp disappeared. The Kiwi remained.
For a time the Kiwi Polish company paid for its upkeep. Apparently there wasn’t much value in this for them, but given the amount of Kiwi Boot Polish the armed forces must have bought over the years, it seems a fitting gesture.
WW2 began and the Kiwi was covered for the duration for fear it could be used as a navigation point by German pilots.
In 2007 the Ministry of Defence took responsibility for the Kiwi and in 2017 it became a listed monument. It’s something a little bit different in a part of the world known for hillside figures in the shape of horses.
Visiting the Bulford Kiwi
Where to see the Bulford Kiwi
If you want a view of the Bulford Kiwi from the road, find the viewing point. This is clearly brown-sign marked off the Bulford Droveway.
To appreciate the scale of the kiwi, and to get some lovely Wiltshire views, climb the hill and walk the site. The Bulford Kiwi is in it’s own area, accessed by a gate.
Use postcode SP4 9FB, or What3Words putts.charging.rhino
Is the Bulford Kiwi free to visit?
Yes, the Kiwi is accessible dawn-to-dusk year round. There is no charge to visit, and parking is free.
Are there any facilities at the Bulford Kiwi?
Nope, not a thing!
The near by town of Tidworth has a community centre with a lovely family run cafe -Ezra’s- and toilets. Find with postcode SP9 7QQ.
Is the Bulford Kiwi Walk dog friendly?
Definitely, this is one of our favourite dog walks in the area. Little Wolf loves it!
Things to do near The Bulford Kiwi
This part of Wiltshire is home to some great walks and historical points of interest, including:
Tidworth Military Cemetery: A short drive from the Bulford Kiwi, a military cemetery home to several ANZAC graves, including that of Esther Maude Tubman, an NZ nurse who died after being hospitalised in Tidworth Military Hospital.
St Mary’s Mortuary Chapel: You’ll have to time it right to get a peek inside as the chapel is only open a few days a year, but this quaint Mortuary Chapel with a secret is very pretty spot. Visit in Spring to see the graveyard bursting with snowdrops, crocus and then bluebells.
The Village of Cholderton: A pretty Wiltshire village. Keeper of pretty cottages, a historic with fascinating graveyard and a lovely farm shop. Perfect for a wander rounded off with coffee & cake.
Joining in with Jo’s Monday Walk
Helen x
What an interesting post. I was aware of the Wiltshire horses but have never hear of the Bulford Kiwi. Thank you for telling us the story. I’ll look out for it next time I’m going that way.
Thank you for your kind words and interest, Marion. Always much appreciated!
Fascinating story! I’d never heard of the Bulford Kiwi, though I’d heard of / seen pictures of the white horse and have visited the Cerne Abbas Giant.
Thanks Anabel, believe it or not I haven’t actually been to see any of the white horses yet. Hopefully will do soon, now we are able to get out more freely.
Great post! Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve been trying to walk more during quarantine as well – but none of my walks have been quite this interesting! Take care.
Such an interesting post. I love learning about new things, especially when it has some historical significance. I wish I could see that Bulford Kiwi up close. Maybe someday if we get to travel there, I will make sure I will.
I hope you do, it’s pretty unique!
Hello, Helen 🙂 🙂 Every once in a while I dip into my likes to see who’s passed through and try to make some return visits. Struck lucky with this one! Not sure when I’m putting my next Monday walk up as I’m ‘on holiday’ from WP, but I can never stay away long. It’s just too interesting! As is this walk. May I include it, please? 🙂 Nice to meet you.
Yes, please do! Thank you so much!
You’re welcome 🙂 🙂
I’ve been researching chalk figures in England and this one stood out. It’s something a little bit different and I love the history behind it. We recently walked up to the Uffington White Horse and this one is next on our list. Thanks for sharing!