Oswestry hill fort housing plan puts trenches excavation project under threat

Historic England, formerly part of English Heritage, had hoped to excavate practice trenches on the plateau at Oswestry's historic hill fort next year as part of a special programme of national events marking Britain's First World War centenary.

But the project hit problems during negotiations with the planning consultant, J10 Planning, and the farmer behind the housing bid. Historic England will need the farmer's permission to carry out the dig, which the farmer uses for cattle grazing.

However, in a letter to Historic England, J10 Planning said the farmer would like to support the project but is looking for an agreement with the group over "development and betterment proposals".

The dig was set to research the relationship and activities linking the hill fort, Park Hall military camp and Oswestry-born World War One poet and soldier, Wilfred Owen, who was stationed at the camp in October 1916. It is thought that Owen trained on the fort's practice trench network, which replicated those used on the Western Front during the First World War.

It could also have uncovered some of the older history, giving insights into the origins of the 3,000-year-old hill fort.

John Waine, from campaign group Hands Off Old Oswestry Hillfort, which is dedicated to preserving the history and setting of the fort, said it was disappointing news that the project had stalled.

He said: "This is a World War One commemoration project of national significance with the potential of bringing huge value for Oswestry and the deeper understanding of World War One history.

"Sadly, it appears that without the farmer's permission, Historic England remains unable to excavate a trench on the hill fort plateau.

"The project has already been severely held back. If it's going to happen at all, Historic England needs to crack on. We hope that common sense will prevail."