1st Ashingdon Scouts have built a First World War trench memorial in Ravens Wood, inspired by a charity shop book. Families see it on 11 November 2026.

Scouts from 1st Ashingdon Scout Group have built a First World War trench memorial in Ravens Wood, and will show it to their families at a Remembrance ceremony there on Wednesday 11 November 2026.

The project, which the group has called Fire, Wire & Mud, started with a single book found on a charity shop shelf. In the group’s words, it “has grown into an extraordinary Remembrance project, brought to life by the young people and volunteer leaders of 1st Ashingdon Scout Group.”

From a sketch to sandbags

The Scouts planned, designed and built the trench-inspired memorial themselves, with the group’s volunteer leaders helping. A project board the group sent us traces it in four stages: a young Scout’s original drawing and list of ideas, the patch of woodland chosen for the trench, a visual impression of how the memorial could look, and the structure as it stands now.

The finished trench has timber walls topped with sandbags, a raised wooden platform reached by steps, poppy roundels on the posts and Union flag bunting strung between the trees.

The group says the aim was to take its young people “beyond the pages of a history book” and let them “discover the realities of life during the First World War”.

“What started as a small spark of inspiration developed into something much bigger,” the group said. “Through research, creativity, teamwork and determination, the Scouts have helped transform an idea into a meaningful tribute to those who served and sacrificed their lives.”

It adds: “More than a history lesson, Fire, Wire & Mud has become an opportunity to teach the next generation about courage, sacrifice, gratitude and the importance of remembrance.”

The board’s closing line reads: “From a young Scout’s imagination to a place of remembrance. Built with teamwork, determination and respect for those who gave their tomorrow for our today.”

The ceremony on 11 November

The completed memorial will be shared with the Scouts’ families at a special Remembrance ceremony in Ravens Wood on Armistice Day, Wednesday 11 November.

“From one book on a charity shop shelf to a memorial honouring those who must never be forgotten,” the group said. “We Will Remember Them.”

1st Ashingdon Scout Group is a registered charity, number 280632.

What it means for you

The ceremony is for the Scouts’ families. Anyone interested in the group, or in joining it, can contact 1st Ashingdon Scout Group through its Charity Commission listing. For other Remembrance events in the area, see our news section.