THE grim reality of life in the trenches of World War 1 is to be recreated in Pollok Park.

The project, which is called Digging In, is designed to raise awareness of the Great War and offer children and adults a chance to experience of life in the trenches.

It will involve the construction of Allied and German trenches being built as authentically as possible to the period.

The faithfulness of the reconstructions will be informed by detailed research, including first-hand accounts from soldiers’ diaries and information gleaned from archaeological excavations across the Western Front, as well as field manuals on trench construction and maintenance.

The project is led by a partnership involving Northlight Heritage - an independent charity which encourages practical engagement with archaeology - Glasgow City Council, Glasgow University and Stewart's Melville College in Edinburgh.

A a grant of more than £99,000 has been awarded to the project by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Glasgow Lord Provost Sadie Docherty visited Pollok Park to see the start of work on the trenches.

She met lead project partners, including Dr Tony Pollard, director of the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology at Glasgow University and Dr Olivia LeLong of Northlight Heritage.

Also present for the launch were re-enactors in First World War costume and members of the university's Training Corps who tried their hand at digging a practice trench.

Mrs Docherty, who is currently leading the city’s four-year First World War commemoration programme, said: “Digging In is daring and I’m sure it will prove a huge hit with everyone who visits.

"Pollok Country Park is a great asset to the city. Already home to the renowned Burrell Collection, this new and exciting educational development will allow us all to better appreciate the experiences of soldiers on the Western Front and the impact on communities at home.”

The trenches will open to the public on September 19.