The Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel sites comprise close to 80 percent of conserved First World War battlefield in existence. Both sites include extensive areas of historic battlefield terrain in the form of trenches, shell holes, mine craters and other features from the First World War. It sets these memorial sites apart from all other others and is a powerful part of a remembrance experience.

Together, the Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel memorials receive approximately a million visitors a year. Due to their overwhelming popularity and an increasing number of visitors every year, the sites' fragile battlefield terrain features are subject to damage and wear.

Currently pilot repairs are being made to pathways and walkways, while hazard trees are being removed to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff, alike. Experience gained during this pilot terrain conservation work will help to finalize the site conservation plans, which will be implemented in separate phases over the coming years.