On a hot summer’s day (yes, we do occasionally get those up north), a small group visited the excavation of a series of First World War practice trenches located within Long Wood, an area of ancient semi-natural woodland located in Copley, Calderdale, West Yorkshire.

The site was initially recorded during winter 2017 as part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded, Pennine Prospects led Celebrating Our Woodland Heritage project. However, very little is known about when the trenches were formed, and who excavated them.

 

We enjoyed a guided tour of the trenches by Chris Atkinson, and found some similarities with our excavations. We were also interested by the old trackway crossing the wood.

 

Return journey via Todmorden for some much needed tea and cake.

 

Thanks to Chris for enabling our visit. Thanks to Roger for chauffeuring us in air conditioned luxury.

 

C.Rousseau-Jones July 2019

Banner Image: Excavation at Long Wood Copley. Attribution: C. Rousseau Jones