A new report has revealed safe digging searches exceeded four million for the first time last year.
According to Digging Up Britain 2026, an annual report from safe digging experts LSBUD, 4,094,214 searches were made through the LSBUD platform in 2025, a 6% increase on 2024 activity.
This rise in activity demonstrates that an increasing number of people across every industry are aware of the need to pre-plan and check for pipes and cables before breaking ground. Searches increased in almost every area of work, with the highest growth levels seen in EV charger-related domestic works, property conveyance, development projects,and agricultural works.
Consumer searches also rose significantly, with 77.9% more searches made in 2025 compared with the previous year.
Richard Broome, MD of LSBUD, said, “For the first time ever, searches through the LSBUD platform have exceeded four million, a sign that safer behaviour is becoming much more deeply embedded across our industry, which is a significant achievement for ourselves and the sector. Nearly all areas of works are increasing searches before they dig, and the number of potential asset strikes prevented speak for themselves. It’s great to see that the safe digging message is really starting to hit home.
“Our asset base has grown by 25% in the past year – a massive increase. This means that more than 170 organisations, accounting for over 2.5 million kilometres of pipelines and cables, are now LSBUD members, all of which are reaping the benefits of being on the platform and protecting their assets. Every time that an asset is found through a search on our platform, it is raised with the asset owner, providing greater assurance to our members that activities are being flagged, and assets are being protected.
“Most importantly, though, it means that we are all working towards our joint goal of safe digging for all.”
