Monument record 0661800000 - Practice trenches, South of Buckland Wharf (SE of Lodge Farm)

Extensive complex of probable WWI practice trenches in a field to the S of Buckland Wharf. Seen as earthworks in 1945 APs. Possibility that technique may have lasted into WWII since some of the earthworks appear very fresh while others seem to have grassed over. Further extension in NW corner of field just visible in area under cultivation in 1945. Earthworks completely ploughed out in 1985 APs, although trenches do appear as rather hazy crop marks (B1,B3).
Area of First World War practice trenches seen on air photographs (B2).

A network of practice Trenches of World War I and/or II date are visible on historic aerial photographs as extant earthworks and were mapped as part of the Aylesbury Vale Aerial Investigation and Mapping project (EBC18604). Located east of Lodge Farm, Buckland, and centred at SP 89770 11070. These trenches are cut in to chalk solid geology at the top of the chalk ridge of the Chilterns and cover an area measuring 550x210m at its largest. The north-western parts have been infilled by the 1940s but the remainder look to be more freshly dug and may have been re-dug more recently. By the 1960s the area is under arable land use and the trenches are visible only as cropmarks; lidar visualisations show a level field. Further remains of practice trenches can be seen around the golf course and the surrounding area, mostly removed or obscured by modern landuse but showing that they likely covered a much larger area than has been recorded to date.(6-10)