AN area of woodland in Corsham has become the first outdoor recreational space in Wiltshire to become permanently protected in memory of those who lose their lives in the Great War.

The Batters, which runs along the railway line between Prospect and Brook Drive and was used by battalions of the Scots Guards to practice trench digging in 1915, will be safeguarded as a Centenary Field as part of a project from the national charity Fields in Trust and the Royal British Legion.

Ruth Hopkinson, Corsham Town Council chairman, said: "The Town Council, as a member of the Corsham Commemorates group, has been involved in a number of projects to mark the centenary of the Great War, most recently the very successful Above and Beyond WW1 Hospital Exhibition at the Town Hall.

"We are delighted now to have this opportunity from Fields in Trust and The Royal British Legion to mark the centenary of World War One in yet another way. Protecting The Batters means that there is always somewhere to remember the sacrifices of World War One, but also to enjoy the fresh air and the surroundings."

The project is part of a national initiative to give landowners the power to dedicate space to remember the sacrifices of the soldiers who died fighting during the First World War and the opportunity to protect a green space for future generations.

Fields in Trust Chief Executive Helen Griffiths comments: "I congratulate Corsham Town Council for being the first of what we hope will be many others in Wiltshire to protect memorial spaces as Centenary Fields. This programme is a fitting way for us to mark the sacrifices made by so many in World War One whilst looking to the future through a living remembrance. We look forward to many more landowners following their lead."

The commemorative plaque will be unveiled at The Batters on Armistice Day at 2pm by members of the Town Council, Fields in Trust, the Corsham Commemorates Group, MOD Corsham and the Royal British Legion.