New trench systems boost realistic military training on Salisbury Plain

More than £2 million has been invested in new trench training infrastructure at Copehill Down Training Village on Salisbury Plain, enhancing the UK Armed Forces’ ability to train in realistic and modern battlefield environments.

Delivered through a partnership between the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the British Army and Landmarc Support Services, the project improves training facilities and supports the Army’s wider modernisation programme. The investment provides soldiers with realistic environments in which to develop and refine the skills required for contemporary operations.

Designed to reflect the realities of modern conflict, the project has delivered a network of new field fortifications and trench

systems integrated into the existing training village. The works include fighting positions, covered command posts, protected shelters, observation points and vehicle positions, creating a challenging and representative training environment for military personnel.

Brigadier Gavin Hatcher CBE, Head of Overseas and Training Region at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation said: "This project demonstrates our continued investment in the Defence Training Estate and our commitment to ensuring the Armed Forces have access to the infrastructure they need to train effectively. By working closely with Landmarc and the British Army, we have delivered facilities that reflect the changing character of warfare and support realistic, demanding training. This investment will help ensure Copehill Down remains a world-class training asset for years to come."

Colonel William Robinson, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Land Warfare Centre added: "The nature of warfare continues to evolve and our training environments must evolve alongside it. These new trench systems provide soldiers with realistic facilities that support the development of tactical skills and decision-making in representative conditions. Investments such as this ensure our people are prepared for the complex challenges they may face on operations."

David Morgan, Programme Director at Landmarc, said: "The Defence Training Estate is a national asset and maintaining its relevance requires continual investment and innovation. This project demonstrates how collaboration, engineering expertise and a shared focus on military capability can deliver practical improvements that directly support the Armed Forces. The enhanced facilities at Copehill Down will provide enduring training value for many years to come."

The project was delivered with support from specialist supply chain partners, drawing on expertise in military infrastructure, construction and estate development.

By investing in modern training infrastructure, the Ministry of Defence is ensuring that the Defence Training Estate continues to evolve alongside the changing character of warfare, providing Service personnel with the environments they need to develop and maintain operational advantage. The project forms part of Defence’s wider programme of estate investment and modernisation, helping ensure the estate remains fit for purpose for current and future generations.