Tracking Trig pillars (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Tracking Trig pillars

IT is 70 years since the start of the Ordnance Survey's triangulation of Great Britain.

At that time it took 26 years to complete the 11,678 observations starting in Northamptonshire, finishing in Cumbria and taking in the whole of the United Kingdom.

To assist in their huge undertaking over 5,500 triangulation pillars were erected, and these are scattered around the country, not only on the top of hills and mountains but also hidden away in towns and cities.

In the map area of Worcester and the Malverns, for instance, there are 44 Trig pillars waiting to be re-discovered. The highest is on the Worcestershire Beacon and the lowest is near Hanley Swan.

The Trig Tracking Society is re-enacting this historical survey and are looking for volunteers, young and old, across the UK to become observers. All it would mean is during the coming summer months to visit as many as you can of those triangulation pillars in your area, to observer their condition and let us know what you find.

If you would like to be part of this fascinating project please send a stamped addressed envelope to The Trig Tracking Society, Mousegill, South Stainmore, Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria CA17 4EU and we will send you a list of Trig Stations in your area, where they can be found and all the information you will need.

ANDY SMITH, (Co-ordinator), on behalf of The Trig Tracking Society.