Digging In

Digging In is exploring the human experiences of World War I through reconstructing trench systems in Pollok Park, Glasgow and also through digital media. It creates a space for exploring how soldiers coped in the dangerous and stressful environment of the Western Front, with active warfare only part of that experience, and the vital role played by those behind the lines and on the Home Front. Life in the trenches involved hard physical labour and extreme discomfort from dirt and disease. Soldiers experienced extraordinary psychological stress from the threat of violence, but also grinding boredom. The project is also about the war's vast impact on people at home - from the mobilisation of labour for the war effort to the personal losses of families and communities, the voices of conscientious objectors, artistic responses and changes in society as a result of the conflict. Digging In is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Robertson Trust and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. It is being delivered by a partnership of Northlight Heritage, the University of Glasgow, Stewart's Melville College and Glasgow City Council. Soundscapes courtesy of Glasgow School of Art Digital Design Studio (DDS). The audio recordings of people within the app are from the Imperial War Museum's extensive collection of sound recordings, many of which are available to hear in full online.