More than £4.4 million has been invested in new trench training infrastructure across the Defence Training Estate. This investment aims to enhance the UK armed forces’ ability to train in realistic and contemporary battlefield environments.
The projects, delivered through a partnership between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the British Army, and Landmarc Support Services, include new trench systems at Copehill Down Training Village on Salisbury Plain. Additionally, Eastern European-style trench networks have been established at Eastmere Village within Stanford Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk.
These new facilities are designed to reflect modern conflict, replicating the complexity of contemporary battlefields. They include extensive trench networks, fighting positions, covered command posts, protected shelters, bunkers, observation points, firing platforms, and vehicle positions. The infrastructure is integrated into existing training areas to create challenging and representative environments for military personnel.
Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, Head of Overseas and Training Region at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, stated that these projects demonstrate continued investment and commitment to ensuring armed forces have access to necessary infrastructure for effective training. Colonel William Robinson, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Land Warfare Centre, added that the new trench systems provide realistic facilities to support the development of tactical skills, decision-making, and battlefield awareness.