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Extensive First World War practice trenches survive as earthworks on the heather moorland between Rothbury and Cartington. The trenches comprise isolated and more complex systems of zigzag (of both angled and box form) trenches which represent front-line fire and support trenches with connecting communication trenches between. Shallow parapets are also visible as are a number of dugouts and saps.

The practice trenches were probably originally constructed by the 18th (Service) Battalion (1st Tyneside Pioneers) Northumberland Fusiliers in the winter of 1915-1916.

The system was surveyed and part excavated in 2007 and 2008 by the Coquetdale Community Archaeology Group. The excavations revealed the trenches to have been constructed with corrugated iron revetting, drains and fire-steps. A number of phases were identified suggesting that the trenches were reused on a number of occasions, perhaps by subsequent troops later in the war. Elements may have also been reused during the Second World War. The lack of relics or military remains suggested that the trenches were dug as exercises in construction, rather than being occupied for lengthy periods or used for practice combat.

About 0.5km to the south of the trenches are the remains of a late 19th century firing range NU0502 : View south from felled woodland near path to Cartington. The range target is marked on the 1897 and 1922 Ordnance Survey maps suggesting that it remained in use during the war.

Pastscape: Link Archive Link
Northumbrian Gunner: Link Archive Link
The Western Front Association: Link Archive Link
BBC: Link
BBC Guide: Link
Northumberland National Park: Link
English Heritage Conservation Bulletin: Link
Digging the trenches - a photo by johndal: Link

See other images of First World War practice trenches