Audio guide will bring Witley Common Army camp back to life

A new free, downloadable audio guide for Witley Common will bring to life the busy Army camps that were set up there during the First World War.

The audio guide has been created as part of a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore the archaeology and history of the common. It is offically launched today (Friday) as part of the Festival of Archaeology.

The guide was compiled by Hannah Potter at the Surrey County Archaeological Unit.

She said: "In 2019, Godalming Museum was awarded just under £65,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to carry out an exciting new community archaeology project at Witley Camp.

"Once a bustling military camp, home to 20,000 British and Canadian soldiers and a veterinary hospital in the First World War, the area today has returned to woodland, with little trace of any remains.

"Created by Surrey County Archaeological Unit, Godalming Museum and the National Trust, this short walk will guide you round some of the key First World War areas of the camp using original photographs, sounds and recordings, providing an insight to the life of the people based here over 100 years ago."

Hannah has offered the following instructions:

To get the audio guide, you will need to download the izi.TRAVEL app on your smart phone. Once it is downloaded, search for 'Witley' and the trail should come up. You will need to download the tour before your visit as the internet is not great on site. Things to know about this walk:

We advise that you download this walk before visiting Witley Common as there is limited phone signal at the site.

The walk begins at the Webb Road National Trust Car Park. The address is Webb Road, Witley, Godalming, GU8 5QJ. Parking is free for National Trust members.

You are advised to use headphones for this walk to improve the sound quality.

The walk is just over a mile long and lasts around one hour.

The walk is over some sandy and uneven ground with roots and other trip hazards. Please take care.

Don't forget to turn your phone volume up when you start the walk!

Click here to see the web page for the tour.