THE Wiltshire landscape is one of chalk and cheese, says a retired headteacher who has written a book on the subject.

In less than 100 pages, Steve Hannath describes how what is under the feet of Wiltshire people has affected what is on the surface; how the shape, appearance and location of buildings, farms, industry and water has long been determined by geology.

Mr Hannath, who was a headteacher at two primary schools in the north of Wiltshire, has called his slim and well-illustrated book Chalk & Cheese, and said the project allowed him to explore a longstanding interest.

He added: “This book really ought to be called Chalk & Clay or Cheese & Wool. The original cheeses of Wiltshire were made from sheep’s milk so the chalk and cheese were from the same places. The distinction in Wiltshire is between chalk and clay.

“This is not an academic book but for the general reader interested in the countryside and environment. Wiltshire has beautiful scenery and varied geology and I was able to use the geology part of my degree again in writing the book.”

Copies of Mr Hannath’s book, which he has dedicated to his granddaughter Elsie, can be purchased direct by emailing stevehannath@talktalk.net or from the shops at Salisbury Cathedral and Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, where Mr Hannath is a volunteer.

The cost is £7.50.