Recent UXO discoveries highlight the UK's wartime legacy
Recent media reports have suggested that 2026 could become one of the busiest years on record for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams across the UK. As construction activity continues to increase and more land is brought forward for housing, infrastructure and regeneration projects, unexploded ordnance (UXO) dating back to WWII continues to be discovered beneath the ground.
One of the most significant recent discoveries occurred in Plymouth, where a WWII German bomb was uncovered during construction works. Due to safety concerns surrounding the condition of the device, a large exclusion zone was established while military specialists carried out disposal operations. The incident serves as another reminder that the UK's wartime legacy remains an active consideration for today's construction industry.
Click on the following link to read the 2026 Plymouth bomb discovery news article.
Why Plymouth continues to experience UXO discoveries
Plymouth has long been recognised as one of the UK's highest-risk locations for UXO, visit our Plymouth UXO City Guide for a more guidance and information.
During WWII the city was subjected to sustained Luftwaffe bombing because of its strategic military importance. Home to HMNB Devonport, one of Western Europe's largest naval bases, alongside extensive dockyard and shipbuilding facilities, Plymouth was a priority target throughout the Blitz.
Although more than 80 years have passed since the war ended, not every bomb functioned as intended. Some failed to detonate on impact and remain buried beneath roads, industrial land, brownfield sites and former military locations. As these areas continue to be redeveloped, it is not uncommon for previously undiscovered ordnance to be encountered during intrusive ground investigations or construction works.
What does this mean for Construction projects?
While high-profile UXO discoveries often attract national media attention, many more are identified during routine construction, civil engineering and ground investigation projects without ever making the headlines.
For developers, contractors, engineers and environmental consultants, these discoveries reinforce the importance of considering UXO risk during the earliest stages of project planning.
A Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment can establish whether a credible risk exists before intrusive works commence. Where appropriate, this can be followed by a Detailed UXO Risk Assessment, UXO Surveys for clearance or on-site risk mitigation support, helping project teams make informed decisions while reducing the potential for unexpected delays, additional costs and safety risks.
By understanding site-specific wartime history before ground is broken, organisations can better manage risk and maintain project momentum.
Explore our interactive UXO Discovery Map
To help visualise the scale of the UK's UXO legacy, 1st Line Defence has developed an interactive UXO Discovery Map, bringing together hundreds of press-reported UXO discoveries from across the UK between 2024 and 2026.
The map highlights the widespread geographical distribution of reported finds and demonstrates that UXO risk is not confined to major cities or well-known military locations. Instead, discoveries continue to occur across residential developments, commercial projects, highways, utilities, schools and other infrastructure schemes throughout the country.
Whether you're planning a new housing development, infrastructure project or ground investigation, understanding the historical context of your site is an important first step in managing potential UXO risk.
Explore our interactive UXO Discovery Map to see where recent discoveries have been reported across the UK.
How can 1st Line Defence help?
At 1st Line Defence, we strongly recommend that UXO risk is considered during the earliest stages of project planning. Our comprehensive UXO risk management services are designed to protect people, infrastructure and project timelines.
For expert advice on managing UXO risk across your project, contact our team on +44 (0) 1992 245020 or info@1stlinedefence.co.uk.
