Abstract: The specification discloses apparatus (10) for excavating a trench (18) and preparing a base region of the trench (18) for laying of a pipeline, cabling or the like therein, the apparatus (10) including a trench forming machine (11) driven in a forward direction (14) while excavating the trench (18), the appraatus (10) also including a device (13) for laying bedding material in the base region of the trench, the device (13) being integrally part of the trench forming machine (11) or being towed thereby, the apparatus (10) further including conveyor means (20, 22, 23) for conveying excavated trench material created by the trench forming machine (11) to the device (13) for laying bedding material into the trench (18), the device (13) including a vibrating screen separator (25) for separating fine particulate material from coarser excavated trench material whereby the fine particulate material is delivered to the base region of the trench (18).