Save Our Trigs
After being the last person to photograph the Chinley Churn Trig point before it was removed by the landowner and the shocking response from OS and the council, I have set up a petition to protect them. Click on the link to sign
petition.parliament.uk/petit…
Let's share and get this raised in parliament.
Trig points (triangulation pillars) are one of the most recognisable and historically significant features of the British landscape, yet they currently have no formal legal protection.
Constructed as part of the Ordnance Survey’s retriangulation of Great Britain between 1936 and 1962, these pillars formed a nationwide network used to accurately map the country for the first time. At their peak, over 6,500 trig points were installed across the UK, many positioned on hilltops and prominent landmarks, becoming enduring fixtures of our countryside.
These structures are not just functional relics. They represent:
A major scientific and engineering achievement of the 20th century
A key part of Britain’s mapping heritage
Cultural icons for walkers, hikers, and outdoor communities
Landmarks that connect people to place, history, and exploration
Today, while many trig points still stand, a significant number have been damaged, removed, or left to deteriorate, often without record or accountability. With the shift to satellite-based surveying such as GPS, these pillars are no longer required for their original purpose, making them increasingly vulnerable to neglect and loss.
Despite their importance, trig points are not consistently protected under current heritage legislation.
We call on the UK Government and heritage bodies, including Historic England and Ordnance Survey, to:
Recognise trig points as nationally significant heritage assets
Introduce formal protections where appropriate (e.g. listing or scheduled status)
Create a national register documenting their condition and location
Promote their preservation as part of the UK’s cultural and outdoor heritage
Trig points have stood for generations, guiding mapmakers, walkers, and explorers alike. Without action, we risk losing these quiet sentinels of our landscape forever.
Protect the points. Preserve our history.
#saveourtrigs