Public access to military areas

Overview

Location details, opportunities and restrictions for accessing military owned land in the UK.

Please read the safety information before accessing a military site. In addition further information on access restrictions can be found on the MOD byelaws page and the firing notices.

EAST ENGLAND

East region firing times
East Anglia byelaws
East Midlands byelaws

Barton Road

Location

The site is located southwest of Cambridge, between Barton and Comberton.

Site description

This site is a small rifle range, in the undulating countryside of Cambridgeshire.

Access opportunities

A small network of public rights of way, including the locally promoted Whitwell Way, (open at all times) connect the local villages across fields.

Further information

Contact the Commandant 01206 736149.
East region firing times.

Beckingham training area

Location

East of Newark-on-Trent, near the village of Beckingham.

Site description

An area of grassland lying in the floodplain of the River Witham where the waterlogged fields in winter and sympathetic management has resulted in a rich variety of wild plants. In addition to enjoying the plants you will also find a wide range of insects and some interesting birds. The site is adjacent to Stapleford Wood.

Access opportunities

There is a network of public rights of way mainly in the western area of the site. Please keep to these rights of way and do not stray off them.

Further information

Live firing notices are issued to local parishes and the police. For further information, contact the Range Office on 01636 626271.
East region firing times.

Fingringhoe ranges

Location

South of Colchester, in the Colne Estuary.

Site description

This is a remote area, south of Colchester, with much of the site below sea level, consisting of reclaimed wetland and marsh. The site extends out into the Colne Estuary, renowned as one of Essex’s prettiest estuaries, with attractive waterside communities and contrasting landscapes of woodland, fields and marshes.

The marshland area of Fingringhoe Ranges is part of the Colne Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also designated a Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area (SPA). There is a nature reserve to the north east of the site.

Access opportunities

A public right of way follows the northern and western boundaries of the site.

Further information

Contact the commandant on 01206 736149.
East region firing times.
Essex byelaws.

Middlewick Ranges & Friday Woods Training Area

Location

On the southern perimeter of Colchester.

Site description

Colchester is a large garrison town. Middlewick Ranges and Friday Woods Training Area are to the south of the town and include both live firing ranges and areas used for dry training, not involving live firing.

The areas are a mixture of woodland, arable cropping, and grassland, incorporating Donyland Woods. Some of the land is designated as part of the Roman River Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Access opportunities

Public rights of way, including footpaths and bridleways, run through parts of the ranges and training area.

The Friday Woods Dry Training Area is a very popular area for local dog walkers. Please see details of a walk around Friday Woods.

Further information

Contact the Commandant on 01206 736149.
East region firing times.

Watton Brook

Location

Stanford training area consists of almost 11,000 hectares of heath, woodland and farmland used for a wide range of army training activities, including live firing.

Further information

For information on access times call 01842 855367 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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WEST ENGLAND

West Midlands firing times
West Midlands byelaws

Kingsbury Ranges

Location

Kingsbury Ranges are in North Warwickshire, 4 miles south of Tamworth, near the villages of Piccadilly, Kingsbury and Wood End.

Site description

The landscape of the rifle ranges at Kingsbury is gently undulating, with areas of grassed over spoil heaps, a relict of historic coal mining activity, and Kingsbury Wood; a broad leaved/mixed woodland, which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Access opportunities

There are 2 footpaths in the south east of the area, and the area north of the tramway contains 2 other public footpaths. These are outside the Range Danger Area and are always accessible.

Further information

For updated information on firing at Kingsbury Ranges phone:
Operations Room: 01874 635599 (24 hours)
Helpdesk: 0800 0223334 (24 hours)
Kingsbury Range: 01827 873012 or 07881 848323
Main Office: 01785 763127
Kingsbury firing times.

Leek and Upper Hulme

Location

Leek and Upper Hulme Training Areas are in North Staffordshire, 5 miles north of the town of Leek.

Site description

The Training Area is around 500 metres above sea level and the landscape is a mixture of pasture and rugged open moorland, over-lapped by the Peak District National Park. The land is a mixture of MOD freehold, leasehold, licensed and private land and the majority is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Protection Area for birds. It also contains 2 ancient monuments.

Access opportunities

Access can be gained by using the public roads that criss-cross the area and by the many public rights of way and footpaths.

The site is approximately 1093 hectares and is open to public access. Byelaws are in place and there is a closed impact area that is fenced and signed, and out of bounds at all times.

Further information

For information on firing times, please contact:
Operations Room: 01874 635599 (24 hours)
Helpdesk: 0800 0223334 (24 hours)
Training Safety Officer: 01785 763 134
Training Area Operative: 07483 357472
Swynnerton Guardroom: 01785 763137

Leek and Upper Hulme firing times.
Staffordshire byelaws.

Nesscliffe training area

Location

Nesscliffe Training Area is located about 1 mile southwest of the A5, equidistant to Shrewsbury and Oswestry.

Site description

The training area is predominantly flat and consists of the flood plain of the rivers Severn and Vyrnwy (Afon Efyrnwy).

Nesscliffe Training Area covers an area of 681 hectares (1681 acres) of agricultural land on the western end of the North Shropshire Plain. The area is bordered to the east by a sandstone outcrop behind Nesscliffe village, to the west by the Llanymynmech Hills, and to the south by the Briedden Hills and the Stiper Stones.

Nesscliffe is used to support regular, reserve forces and cadet training. The camp provides admin, catering and sleeping accommodation for units on training. Pre-operational training is regularly conducted at Nesscliffe.

Access opportunities

On the northern part of the training area there are numerous public footpaths that cross the training area between the villages of Pentre, Nesscliffe and the hamlets of Kinton and Kinnerley etc. No live firing normally takes place at Nesscliffe.

There are no public footpaths on the southern area.

Further information

For further information, contact 01743 741607 (Monday to Friday only) or the Camp Guardroom on 01743 268504 (24 hours a day).

Whittington

Location

In Staffordshire, 1 mile east of Lichfield near to Whittington Barracks.

Site description

The area consists of rifle ranges, and mixed broad-leaved woodland which extends eastwards to the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal and the River Tame.

Access opportunities

Four lengths of bridleway cross the ranges, including the wood.

One of the key entry points to the woodland is off the A51, where there is ample car parking and a bus stop.

Further information

For live firing details see the Whittington ranges firing times or contact:
Operations Room: 01874 635599 (24 hours)
Helpdesk: 0800 0223334 (24 hours)
Whittington Range operative: 07827 982 444 or 07881 848 323
Main Office (Swynnerton): 01785 763127

Sealand Rifle Range

Location

Sealand Rifle Ranges are in the Dee Estuary near Chester.

Site description

Sealand Rifle Ranges are small arms firing ranges comprising an operational range area and a Range Danger Area covering 486 hectares in the Dee Estuary near Chester. There are 3 rifle ranges, 2 of which are currently in use.

Access opportunities

Since 2013, there has been a permissive cycle route running alongside the site, which keeps the public away from the Range Danger Area while forming a useful link for the local area. There is no other public access at Sealand Ranges.

Further information

For details on firing at Sealand Ranges, see Sealand firing times or phone:
Operations Room: 01874 635599 (24 hours)
Sealand Range: 01244 280106 or 07766 991807
Main Office: 01743 741607

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NORTH ENGLAND

North England firing times
North West England bylaws
Yorkshire byelaws
North Yorkshire byelaws

Catterick Training Area

Location

Catterick Training Area is located on the eastern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, south of the market town of Richmond.

Site description

The area’s military history dates from as far back as 1798. The land comprising the current Training Area was acquired between 1921 and 1985.

In conjunction with military training, Catterick Training Area is predominantly used for extensive livestock grazing, while the better in-bye land is farmed more intensively for hay, silage and arable crops. The Ranges also have numerous archaeological remains, including 36 scheduled ancient monuments.

The training area is the home of abundant wildlife including some rare species of plants and animals. There are 2 areas designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Access opportunities

There are a number of public rights of way across Catterick Training Area, including a part of the coast-to-coast long distance route. The public must not leave the route of these public rights of way.

Further information

For further information contact the Regional Operations Room on 01912 394261 (24 hours a day). Read more at Catterick Training Area firing and activity forecast.

Holcombe Moor

Location

Holcombe Moor covers approximately 300 hectares of open moorland and woodland near Ramsbottom in Lancashire.

Access opportunities

There is an extensive public rights of way network of footpaths and bridleways across the training area.

The public must not leave the route of these public rights of way.

Further information

For further details phone 01204 512615 or the Regional Operations Room 01912 394261 (24 hours a day).
Holcombe Moor firing times.
Holcombe Moor byelaws.

Otterburn

Location

Otterburn Training Area is situated in the Northumberland National Park, approximately 35 miles from the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Site description

Otterburn Training Area consists of over 22,000 hectares of land and is the largest single live firing range in the UK. Some 30,000 soldiers use the area each year.

The training area covers 23% of the Northumberland National Park and consists of rolling uplands forming part of the Cheviot foothills.

Access opportunities

There are no restrictions to public access on MOD land north of the River Coquet. This land is designated as open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The remainder of the training area is operated under military byelaws.

When not being used for live firing, there are unrivalled opportunities for cycling, riding, walking and climbing or just a drive in the car along the military roads.

Further information

For further information contact Otterburn Range Control on 01830 520569 or the Regional Operations Room 01912 394261 (24 hours a day).

Otterburn firing times.
Northumberland byelaws.

Warcop

Location

Warcop Training Area is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is easily accessed from the A66, 5km east of Appleby and 2km west of Brough.

Site description

Warcop Training Area extends to some 9,700 hectares and over 2 thirds of this area forms part of the Appleby Fells Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The SSSI is known for its blanket bog, limestone pavements, calcareous grassland, and alpine and sub-alpine plants.

Access opportunities

Warcop Training Area is a live MOD range used 6 and a half days a week predominately by the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick. It is also used by various other regular and Territorial Army units of the British Army.

Access opportunities on the training area, can be summarised as:

• access to public rights of way in the danger area every Sunday afternoon after 1pm
• access to public rights of way in the danger area for 12 weekends a year
• access to WTA through a range of guided walks
• access to public rights of way in the danger area on at least 15 short notice days: due to their very nature, these dates cannot be published very far in advance
• access to Mickle Fell is available on a permit system only: applications should be sent to the Training Safety Officer, Warcop Training Area, Warcop, Appleby, Cumbria, CA16 6PA
• area Victor (including Murton Pike and Murton Fell) is open access land under the CROW Act 2000

Further information

For further information on live firing times contact 0800 783 5181 or the Regional Operations Room (open 24/7) 01912 394261.

Warcop public access (non-firing) days.

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SCOTLAND

Scotland firing times
Scotland byelaws

Barry Buddon

Location

Barry Buddon Training Centre covers 930 hectares of coastal plain on the Tay Estuary between Carnoustie and Monifieth.

Site description

The site has several firing ranges for small arms training, and areas used for dry training (non-live firing).

A vast array of wildlife can be seen on Barry Buddon. Most of the training area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an EU Special Area of Conservation (SAC), as well as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for its bird populations.

Access opportunities

When firing is not taking place, you can access the training area’s metalled roads on foot, horseback, and bike.

You can also walk along the beaches when the flags are down, and red lights extinguished. Further access to the area is not possible because of an unexploded ordnance risk.

Further information

Range Control Phone: 01382 533025, 01382 534839 (8am to 5pm).
Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Operations Room: 0131 310 3426 (24 hours).
Scotland firing times.

Cape Wrath Training Area

Location

Cape Wrath Training Area is located near Durness, in Sutherland at the far northwest corner of the UK Mainland approximately 120 miles from Inverness.

Site description

Cape Wrath Training Area provides opportunities for a wide variety of field fire and dry training exercises across 25,000 acres of severe and isolated upland moorland.

It is the only range in Europe where land, sea and air training activities can be conducted simultaneously and where the Royal Air Force can train using live 1,000lb bombs.

The range forms part of an area that is often referred to as “the last great wilderness”, due to its remoteness.

Various parts of the training area have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an EU Special Area of Conservation (SAC), as well as a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Access opportunities

There are 2 main ways of accessing Cape Wrath Training Area:

By ferry and minibus

The main access to the range area is via the passenger ferry across the Kyle of Durness from Keoldale. This ferry runs sporadically from May to September. The frequency of the service is dependent on the tide and weather conditions. Two hours either side of low tide the service may stop altogether. The ferry may operate outside these months by prior arrangement.

On the Cape side of the Kyle, a minibus service operates between the ferry landing point and the Cape Wrath lighthouse along the public road. This service is privately operated and excursions from the ferry to the lighthouse and back take approximately 2 ½ hours.

The public road across the Cape runs for approximately 12 miles thus most people accessing the lighthouse via the ferry make use of this service at least one way. 10 miles of the road are within the Cape Wrath Training Area. The public road is closed during live firing periods. The ferry and minibus service are also curtailed during these periods.

On foot

The other main way to access Cape Wrath is to walk from Blairmore, in the south, via the Sandwood estate owned by John Muir Trust, to Cape Wrath Lighthouse. Much of this route is unmarked, over rough and open moorland, and is not recommended for inexperienced walkers.

Walkers are advised to check firing times before setting off on this route. This route forms the final section of the Cape Wrath Trail, a long-distance route from Fort William of just under 200 miles.

Further information

Range Control phone: 01971 511242 (8am to 5pm).
Scotland and Northern Ireland regional operations room: 0131 310 3426 (24 hours).
Scotland firing times.

Castlelaw Training Area and Ranges

Location

The Castlelaw and Dreghorn Training Area lies immediately south of Edinburgh and is part of the Pentland Hills Regional Park.

Site description

Castlelaw rises steeply from the valley to the northern tops of the Pentland Hills at about 500 metres. The highpoints of the training area give stunning views across the city, the Firth of Forth and on a clear day the highlands beyond. The area is home to some rare habitats and wildlife including small numbers of black grouse.

Although military training is the primary land use, the estate is also used for agriculture, principally sheep grazing.

Access opportunities

The training area lies within the Pentland Hills Regional Park and as such there are numerous tracks and undefined footpaths for walkers. The area is popular with locals and visitors to Edinburgh.

There are several horse-riding routes across the training area. Cycling is also very popular.

Further information

Range Control: 0131 445 2169 (8am to 5pm).
Scotland and NI Regional Operations Room: 0131 310 3426 (24 hours).
Scotland firing times.

Kirkcudbright Training Centre

Location

Kirkcudbright Training Centre, on the northern coastline of the Solway Firth in Dumfries and Galloway occupies an exposed headland 5 kilometres south of the town of Kirkcudbright.

Site description

Kirkcudbright Training Centre provides opportunities for a wide variety of field fire and dry training exercises across 1,900 hectares (4,700 acres) of farmland.

The range has many rare plants including populations of narrow-leaved everlasting pea and cowslips. The only known county records of 6 plants including yellow horned poppy, yellow vetch and pyramidal orchids are from the range. Most of the rare plants flourish on the untrodden coastline and cliff face.

Access opportunities

Access to Kirkcudbright Training Centre is permitted when live firing is not taking place. When red flags or lamps are not displayed, access may be taken across the site, with the exception of the fenced-off impact area, which is signed appropriately.

Further information

Range Control Phone: 0141 224 8521 or 0141 224 8520 (8am to 5pm).
Scotland and Northern Ireland regional operations room: 0131 310 3426 (24 hours).
Scotland firing times.

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SOUTH EAST ENGLAND

South East firing times
South East byelaws

Aldershot and Minley training areas

Location

Aldershot and Minley Training Areas are located to the west of Aldershot and north west of Farnborough in Hampshire.

Site description

The training areas are used for dry training exercises only. Dry training does not involve the use of live ammunition, but it may include the use of pyrotechnics, blank ammunition, and other battle simulators such as smoke grenades and thunder flashes. Be prepared for sudden noises.

The 2 training areas cover an area of approximately 2,000 hectares of lowland heathland habitat which supports a wide range of associated fauna and flora. They are made up of a diverse mosaic of heathland, conifer woodland, areas of mature and semi-mature broadleaved woodland, mire, scrub, acid grassland and grass meadows, particularly in the Minley area.

Most of the areas are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and form part of the European designated Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

Access opportunities

Public access is always permitted along all public rights of way within both training areas. Open access on foot is allowed in areas within the managed access symbol on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. This access is subject to the terms and conditions of the Aldershot and District military byelaws, which are displayed at the principal access points onto the training areas. Do not interrupt any military training activities and please observe the conditions of the byelaws all times.

There are parking areas and lay-bys on the periphery of the training areas for use by the public and the military. Please do not obstruct vehicular access onto the training areas.

Further information

For further information on access please contact the Defence Training Estate Training Area Officer on 01483 798357.
South East firing times.
Aldershot byelaws.

Ash and Pirbright Range Danger Areas

Location

Ash and Pirbright range danger areas are found to the east and north-east of Aldershot and Farnborough.

Site description

The range danger areas cover 2,000 hectares, made up of a mixture of lowland heathland, conifer and broad-leaved woodland, mire, scrub and acid grassland supporting a wide range of fauna and flora.

Most of the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the European designated Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area.

Both range danger areas are used for live firing exercises and training.

Access opportunities

The range danger areas are depicted on the Ordnance Survey Explorer maps by a closed red triangle.

Access to Ash Ranges is subject to the Aldershot and District Military Byelaws, which are displayed at all major access points onto the danger area. Under the byelaws access to the area is restricted to pedestrian use only.

Strictly no cycling or equestrian use allowed.

Further information

For further information on access to the range danger area at Ash please contact the senior range officer on 01252 325233.
South East firing times.
Ash byelaws.

East Kent dry training area

Location

East Kent, inland from Hythe and Dover.

Site description

East Kent Dry Training Area extends in small blocks in an arc between Hythe and Dover, extending a few miles inland. The area around Dover is steeped in military history and much of the rolling rural landscape is within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Be prepared for sudden noises

The training areas are used for dry training exercises only. Dry training does not involve the use of live ammunition, but it may include the use of pyrotechnics, blank ammunition and other battle simulators such as smoke grenades and thunder flashes. Be prepared for sudden noises

Access opportunities

There are over 36 kilometres of footpaths and bridleways crossing the training area over farmland and through woodland. Routes of interest include the North Downs Way, Saxon Shore Way, Pilgrim’s Way and Elham Valley Way.

A walk in Reinden Wood, near Hawkinge, developed in conjunction with White Cliffs Countryside Project offers a circular walk around the woodland on both public and permissive bridleways.

Hankley and Elstead Commons

Location

Hankley and Elstead Commons are located on the Longmoor Training Area, which is situated on the boundary of Surrey and Hampshire between the towns of Bordon, Liphook, Farnham and Guildford.

Site description

The commons represent some of the finest remaining heathland in Southern England and are nationally important for their bird, reptile and invertebrate populations. Elstead, Ockley and Royal Commons are part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The commons are covered with heather, bracken and woodlands of birch and Scots Pine.

In 1996, the whole of the training area was given a ‘Forest of Excellence’ award by the Forest Commission.

Hankley and Elstead are dry training areas. The areas provide an ideal location for a range of training regimes, but are primarily used for infantry tactics up to platoon and company level, including sniper training. Hankley remains an active parachute dropping zone.

Access restrictions

Public access to both areas is subject to the Surrey Commons Military Byelaws 1978. The byelaws allow for public access on foot in areas of the training estate, provided they are not enclosed, or entry prohibited by notice.

No access to the pond on Royal Common at any time.

Please avoid all military training you may find across the area.

Access opportunities

Public access is always permitted along public rights of way across both commons. This includes 2 walks across the open heathland of Elstead and Royal Commons.

Open access on foot is also available in those areas delineated by the managed access symbol on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. When walking in the training area you are requested not to interrupt military training and to observe the byelaws.

Further information

For further information on access to the Commons telephone 01420 483375.

Hythe ranges

Location

Hythe Ranges is 10 kilometres (6 miles) west of Folkestone, on the edge of the town of Hythe, off the A259 (between Hythe and Dymchurch).

Site description

An area of low lying, slightly undulating land adjoining the foreshore. Hythe Ranges is one of the oldest ranges in the country and has been used for live firing for nearly 200 years. The whole area is steeped in military history. There are two Martello Towers on Hythe Ranges, and a “Grand Redoubt” fortification at Dymchurch. These were built in the early 1800s to resist potential invasion by Napoleon.

Access restrictions

Hythe Ranges are used for live firing with a danger area extending out to sea.

There are NO public rights of way across the site, although access along the foreshore is permitted when there is no live firing.

A notice indicating live firing times is displayed at the entrance to the ranges and on other boards on the security fence at either end of the range complex.

Access opportunities

The only access available is along the foreshore during periods of non-firing.

Further information

For further information on live firing times, phone 01303 225879 (office hours) or 01303 225861 (out of hours).
South East firing times.
Kent byelaws.

Longmoor range and training areas

Location

Longmoor range and training areas are located to the west of Liphook in Hampshire. The town of Bordon lies immediately to the north and the village of Greatham to the west.

Site description

These range and training areas cover approximately 1800 hectares on primarily lowland heathland habitat, made up of a mosaic of heathland, conifer and broad-leaved woodland, mire, scrub and acid grassland supporting a wide range of associated fauna and flora.

Much of the area is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of the European designated Wealden Heaths Special Protection Area and Special Area of Conservation. The A3 London to Portsmouth Road runs through the middle of this area.

Access restrictions

Longmoor Range Danger Area is used for live firing all year round.

The training areas outside the range danger area is used for dry training exercises only, this includes pyrotechnics, blank ammunition and other battle simulators. Be prepared for sudden noises!

Cycling is restricted to public bridleways.

Access opportunities

The public rights of way outside of the Range Danger Area are available to use at all times. In addition to this, access to the areas outside of the Range Danger Area is subject to the Aldershot and District Military Byelaws 1976. Access on foot is available in those areas delineated by the managed access symbol on Ordnance Survey Explorer maps. When walking in the training area you are requested not to interrupt military training and to always observe the byelaws.

Further information

For further information on access please contact the Defence Training Estate Training Area officer on 01420 483375.
South East firing times.
Kent byelaws.

Lydd ranges

Location

Situated 21 kilometres (13 miles) west of Hythe and 24 kilometres (15 miles) south of Ashford.

Site description

Lydd Ranges are situated on the reclaimed land of the historic Romney Marsh and part of the cuspate foreland at Dungeness, estimated to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. The habitats are of international importance and are part of the Dungeness Special Area of Conservation. The ranges have been used for military training for over 150 years.

Military Use

Lydd Ranges are used for live firing with a danger area extending out to sea.

Access opportunities

When there is no live firing access is possible along a permissive path that runs along the coast.

Further information

For further information on live firing times, contact 01303 225518 (office hours) or 01303 225467 (out of hours).
South East firing times.
Kent byelaws.

Mereworth Woods

Location

Southwest of Maidstone.

Site description

Mereworth Woods is a small area of very rural Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland. It is part of the Metropolitan Green Belt, lies within a Special Landscape Area and is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

Mereworth Dry Training Area is just over 120 hectares (300 acres), mainly mixed broadleaf woodland and some conifer plantations. There is a small area of acid heath, and an abundance of wildlife including reptiles and small mammals.

Access restrictions

Access is always restricted to the public rights of way.

The area is used heavily at weekends and regularly during the week by small units with no heavy armour or live firing permitted. It is a dry training area where blank firing and limited pyrotechnics are used and there is a helicopter landing site that is used occasionally.

Access opportunities

There are 2 bridleways and a footpath that run through the training area.

Thorney Island

Location

On the south coast, between Chichester and Portsmouth.

Site description

Thorney Island was first used by the Royal Air Force in 1935 and was a fighter station and base for Coastal Command during the Second World War. In 1984, it was taken over by the army and it is now the home base for an Artillery Regiment.

However, to call Thorney Island an island is now rather an anachronism for it has been joined to the mainland for some 125 years after the reclamation of 72 hectares of tidal mudflats in 1870. The island area comprises a mixture of open grassland and reed beds. This variety of habitat, in conjunction with the surrounding wetlands, makes Thorney Island one of the best MOD sites for ornithology, with species including brent geese, oystercatchers, lapwings, curlews, skylarks and shelduck. Pilsey Island, to the south of Thorney Island, is an RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) reserve.

Access restrictions

Access is restricted to the public footpath only.

Access opportunities

A circular walk following the foreshore around Thorney Island. From Hermitage the walk totals 11 kilometres (7 miles) with the MOD boundary totalling nearly 5 miles. There is a 10th Century Church at West Thorney that is only accessible from the footpath.

The site lies within part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is an important area for ornithology: Thorney Island information and walk.

Further information

For information on access to Thorney Island Perimeter Path Tel: 01243 388275 or 01243 388269.

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SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

South West firing times
South West byelaws

Braunton Burrows Training Area (BBTA)

Location

Braunton Burrows Training Area (BBTA) is located on the peninsula south west of Braunton, North Devon, in an area bounded by the Barnstaple/Bideford Bay to the west, the Taw and Torridge Estuary to the south & east and the Braunton Marshes.

Site description

The site is a complex dune system and beach, owned and managed by the Christie’s Estate which is leased by the MOD to conduct dismounted, vehicle, surf and helicopter training. Appropriate signage is displayed to warn the public of military training.

Access opportunities

The public can access the site from numerous points and paths and parking is available at Sandy Lane car park.

Further information

Please contact MOD Training Safety Officers: 01395277891 07870377646 or Duty Officer: 07870 377807 (out of hours and weekends).

Dartmoor

Location

Dartmoor Training Area is located in West Devon, south of Okehampton.

Site description

Military training has taken place on Dartmoor since the early 1800s. It was used intensively for tactical exercises with live ammunition by the allies during the Second World War. Today the MOD uses (by freehold, lease, or licence) about 12,760 hectares of the National Park’s 94,400 hectares. The Dartmoor Training Area is used for light forces’ exercises, mostly for Royal Marines and other units based in the southwest.

Access restrictions

Access opportunities

Three parts of Dartmoor training areas are used for live firing: Okehampton, Merrivale and Willsworthy.

When not in use for live firing, this land is used for dry training with blank ammunition and although the noise of training may be heard, no restrictions are placed on the public roaming over the open moor. Dartmoor firing times need to be checked and warning signals heeded when wishing to walk within these ranges. To assist public access, the guaranteed non live firing periods are shown on the Dartmoor guaranteed access page and the Dartmoor Training Area site.

Please note that land over which MOD byelaws apply is excluded from the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. Consequently, the range danger areas are not depicted as public access land on Ordnance Survey maps.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority organises an extensive and varied programme of guided walks throughout the year. A large proportion of the guided walk starting points are accessible by public transport and walks are free if you show your valid local public transport travel ticket to the guide.

Further information

For further information, please phone 0800 458 4868 (free) or 01837 657 210.
Dartmoor firing times.
MOD byelaws: Devon.

Langport Range and Dry Training Area (LPTA)

Location

Langport Range and Dry Training Area is located on Paradise Lane just north of the town of Langport, Somerset.

Site description

The Training Area consists of a 600yd, 8 Lane Gallery Range, open farmland and Breech Wood, all of which may be used for dismounted, vehicle and helicopter training. The training area boundary is well defined and marked with appropriate MOD signage and warning flags.

Access opportunities

Public Rights of Way (PROW) are accessible on the site and all ingress and egress points display appropriate warning signs to inform the public of the Byelaws and restrictions during live firing/military training activity. At all times access is only permitted along the PROW.

Access restrictions

When the range is used for live firing red flags are displayed, in accordance with the byelaws access is strictly prohibited and all PROW are closed.

Further information

Please contact MOD Training Safety Officers/Site Range Control: 01458 250255, 01395277891 or Duty Officer: 07870 377807 (out of hours and weekends).

Langport Range and Dry Training Area firing times

Lulworth ranges

Location

Lulworth Ranges are located on the south coast of Dorset, between Weymouth and Poole.

Site description

Lulworth Ranges comprises more than 2,830 hectares. The ranges are within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and are a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

As with much of the Dorset coast, this section of the coastline is important for its geological interest. There is a mixture of limestone, chalk sands and clays, and in many places you can see spectacular folding with clear distinctions between the different aged rock strata.

Access opportunities

The Dorset Coast Path runs through Lulworth Ranges. There are also several circular walks within the ranges.

There are car parking facilities at Whiteway and Tyneham. Picnic facilities are also available at Whiteway car park.

Worbarrow Beach is open to the public when the ranges are open.

Further information

For updated information on firing taking place on Lulworth Ranges, phone 01929 404714.
Lulworth firing times.
MOD byelaws: Dorset.

Penhale

Location

Penhale Camp and Training Area are located on the North Cornwall coast to the south of Newquay, between Holywell and Perranporth.

Site description

Penhale Camp and Training Area stands on the rugged north Cornwall coast looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. It is used by the army, navy and RAF and their cadet organisations. The sand dune system is renowned for its beauty, with dunes amongst the highest in the country, and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

There are 2 Scheduled Ancient Monuments: an Iron Age promontory fort on Penhale Point and Bronze Age barrows on Ligger Point.

Access opportunities

The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is a national trail from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Poole and follows the seaward edge of the training area. From Holywell (with parking in the National Trust Car Park) the SWCP follows the sea cliffs around Penhale and Ligger Points.

To supplement the Coastal Path, the MOD has opened a permissive path, which continues the route following the red and white range poles south above the beach to the MOD boundary. This provides the opportunity for a circular walk from Perranporth that takes in the beach, the dune ridge and the adjoining dune grassland around the Perran Sands Holiday Centre.

This walk can be extended to pass by the site of St Piran’s Oratory and the recently excavated St Piran’s Church, which lie just south of the MOD boundary. Please pay attention to the signs around the training area and do not venture away from the way marked routes as the training activities carried out on the site are hazardous.

Further information

Please telephone 01637 832001.

Salisbury Plain

Location

Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) is located 19 kilometres (12 miles) north of the city of Salisbury in Wiltshire.

Site description

The total area of the current SPTA estate is just over 38,000 hectares. SPTA measures 40 by 16 kilometres (25 by 10 miles) and occupies about one ninth of the county of Wiltshire.

SPTA provides walkers with the opportunity to see an archaeological landscape, which is of unparalleled importance in Northern Europe. There are some 2,300 archaeological sites including features dating back to 4000 BC, along with more recent Roman settlements. Salisbury Plain has one of the densest concentrations of ancient long and round barrows anywhere in Britain.

Salisbury Plain is the largest area of chalk grassland in north-west Europe and contains 40% of the remaining area of this habitat in the UK. In recognition of its importance about 20,000 hectares of grassland have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area Conservation (SAC).

SPTA is also designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds, such as the stone curlew where 10% of the UK population are found.

Access opportunities

A variety of access is available including the Imber Range Perimeter Path (IRPP), a waymarked route. The eastern third of Defence Training Estate SP, the area shown as managed access on Ordnance Survey mapping, is where most access is available.

The numerous Public Rights of Way remain open during military training, even when tanks are manoeuvring. The public should not leave the route of these Public Rights of Way.

The Bulford Ranges are adjacent to the managed access area and are closed to the public during live firing. They are used extensively, normally 5 days per week, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and at least 1 weekend per month.

Further information

For information on areas open for public access, call the automated answerphone on 01980 674763, or the 24/7 Regional Operations Room on 01980 674951.

Salisbury Plain firing times.
MOD byelaws: Wiltshire.

Straight Point and Woodbury Common Training Area (WCTA)

Location

Straight Point Range Complex (SPRC) is located 10 miles south of Exeter between Sandy Bay and Otter Cove. and located 5 km NE of Exmouth; with the Hawkerland Valley and Harpford Hill Commons to the NE and Mutters Moor some 3 kms W of Sidmouth.

Access opportunities

Access routes to SPRC are through the Devon Cliffs Holiday Park at Sandy Bay. The firing range covers the peninsula area south of the South West Coast Path. Woodbury Common is leased land that is owned and managed by Clinton Devon Estates (CDE) and allows full public access.

Further information

Please contact MOD Training Safety Officers/Site Range Control: 01395277891 or 01395 272972. Duty Officer: 07870 377807 (out of hours and weekends).

Straight Point Ranges and Woodbury Common firing times.

Staddon Heights training area

Location

Staddon Heights Training Area is located on the southern edge of Plymouth, east of Hooe, on the edge of Plymouth Sound.

Site description

The Training Area consists of a rocky foreshore with a small cove at Jennycliff backed by steep slopes/cliffs rising to 100 metres and a small cliff top area of some 8 hectares mostly covered in scrub and brambles. Staddon Heights Training Area is used by members of all three services (Army, Navy and RAF) and their cadet organisations. Their use is administered by Headquarters Defence Training Estate South West.

The footpath and some of the adjoining cliffs are leased to the local Council for recreational use including the popular Ramscliff and Jennycliff amenity areas. The training area provides outstanding views over Plymouth Sound and breakwater towards Plymouth and Cornwall. The conservation interest of the foreshore is recognised by its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Access opportunities

The South West Coastal Path, a National Trail from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Poole, runs through the Training Area. There is a car park in the north-eastern corner of the site.

Further information

For further information on access opportunities contact Defence Estates on 01392 492538.

Tregantle ranges and Antony training area

Location

Situated in southeast Cornwall, to the west of Plymouth.

Site description

Owned freehold by the MOD, the area stretches from the sandy beaches of Whitsand Bay in the south across 350 hectares of rolling pasture to the mud estuary of the River Lynher. The conservation interests of the coastal fringes are recognised by designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Within the training area there are 2 forts, Tregantle and Scraesdon, both Scheduled Ancient Monuments built in the 1850’s as part of a ‘ring of fire’ to protect the naval port of Plymouth. Created out of dressed granite and limestone, Tregantle Fort stands high on the Cornish coastline.

Scraesdon Fort is used for many types of military training and its labyrinth of rooms and passages are ideal for training soldiers to operate within a built environment.

Access opportunities

When the ranges to the south of Tregantle Fort are not being used for live firing, the MOD owned beach is open for public use. Access is by the permissive path, which runs to the beach from the car park alongside the highway. For public safety, the path is closed when ranges are in use.

The South West Coastal Path, a National Trail from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Poole, runs through the training area alongside the B3247 so that access is not interrupted by the use of the firing ranges.

Lying alongside the Lynher River, Wacker Quay is leased to the local council who have developed a public picnic site.

Further information

For further information on live firing times, contact 01752 822516.
Tregantle live firing times.

Wyke Regis training area & Chickerell Camp

Location

Wyke Regis Training Area and Chickerell Camp are located near Weymouth in Dorset.

Site description

Wyke Regis Training Area is part of the Defence Training Estate South West and is located at three sites. Two of these are on the northern side of the Fleet, a tidal lagoon with Chesil Beach, the shingle beach of international importance, on the southern side.

In 1928, the Royal Engineers established a Bridging Camp alongside the Fleet at Wyke Regis, and the site continues to be used for training the Royal Engineers and other arms (both regular and reserve forces) in the building of bridges and ferries, as well as other forms of military training.

The second site is a camp and rifle range at Chickerell which, as well as being used for marksmanship training, is used for basic fieldcraft and patrolling exercises.

The third site is located at Verne Yeates on the island of Portland and is used for bridging and signals training.

The conservation importance of Chesil Beach and the Fleet, including parts of Chickerell Range, is recognised by its designation as a World Heritage Site. The fleet is also a European Special Area of Conservation. Much of the Range area at Chickerell is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), as are areas of Verne Yeates.

Access opportunities

The South West Coastal Path, a national trail from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point in Poole, runs along the northern boundary of Wyke Regis Bridging Camp and the southern boundary of Chickerell Range.

Access is available using Fleet Lane alongside Chickerell Camp following the camp fence line to Chickerell Rifle Range, on Tidmoor Point on FP33, or Coastal Path FP36.

When red flags are flying, walkers will be diverted inland around the back of the range firing point, by signs and access restricting gates, before returning to the Coastal Path.

Further information

For further information, please contact 01305 831930

Chickerell Ranges firing times

Yoxter Range and Dry Training Area (YRTA)

Location

Yoxter Range and Dry Training Area is located within the Mendip Hills, between Charterhouse and Priddy, approximately 5 km East of Cheddar and 7 km North of Wells

Site description

The Training Area consists of a 600yd, 8 Lane Gallery Range and open farmland, all of which may be used for dismounted, vehicle and helicopter training. The training area boundary and Range Danger Area (RDA) boundary is well defined and marked with appropriate MOD signage and warning flags.

Access opportunities

Other than for a single Public Right of Way (PROW) located to the north of the range, the site is closed for public access.

Further information

Please contact MOD Training Safety Officers/Site Range Control: 01749 870254, 01395277891 or Duty Officer: 07870 377807 (out of hours and weekends).

Yoxter Range and Dry Training Area firing times

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WALES

Wales firing times
Wales byelaws

Capel Curig

Location

Capel Curig Training Camp is located three and a half miles from the village of Betws-y-Coed, within the northern part of Snowdonia National Park.

Site description

The camp covers an area of 4 hectares with a perimeter fence around the main buildings area of 845 metres. The main camp area contains woodland and a helicopter landing area/sports field. There is also provision of secure and centrally located accommodation for units undertaking adventurous training in North Wales. The Camp provides 280 bed spaces and catering facilities.

Castlemartin

Location

Castlemartin Training Area is located on the South Pembrokeshire coast within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Site description

Castlemartin Training Area covers about 2,390 hectares (5,900 acres) of freehold land within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

A beautiful area designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Castlemartin contains a wide variety of flora, as well as some of the finest limestone coastal scenery in the National Park. It has significant archaeological and geological interest, including fossil records of international significance.

Castlemartin has been preserved as a spectacular coastal landscape, and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) manages its special heritage to preserve it for future generations.

Access opportunities

Castlemartin Training Area is extremely popular with climbers, surfers and many other recreational groups.

All visitors to Range West must attend a robust access briefing before entering the area.

Further information

Changes and cancellations to firing/road closure times can happen without notice. Please phone 01646 662367 from 8.15am for daily updates.

Castlemartin firing times.

Kinmel Park Training Area

Location

Kinmel Park Training Area is located at Bodelwyddan near Rhyl. It lies just off Junction 25 of the A55 trunk road.

Site description

Kinmel Park Training Area covers an area of 35 hectares (83 acres) of grassland. The training area lies between 2 large private estates and slopes from high ground in the west down to flat ground which borders the A55 trunk road. The area land is grazed by sheep and beef cattle. Within the confines of the training area there is an obstacle course and a 25 metre No Danger Area Range.

The original Kinmel Park Camp was once many times larger than the existing camp, which is now awaiting disposal, and was the site of the alleged mutiny by Canadian troops which took place on the 4 March 1919.

Kinmel Park Training Area plays host to a large winter migrant bird population, which takes full advantage of the large woods surrounding the training area. Flocks of redwing and fieldfare are abundant, particularly in harsh winters. There are sizeable native bird populations of most species here. Large predators include buzzard, carrion crow, and raven. There is also a large population of red deer, which move freely through the training area.

Access opportunities

There are no public footpaths that cross the training area. No live firing takes place at Kinmel in normal training, however the MOD Deer Management Society do cull deer at Kinmel during the hunting season.

Further information

Contact Nesscliff Training Camp on 01743 741607 (Monday to Friday only).

Llansilin Range

Location

Llansilin Rifle Range is located approximately 1 mile northeast of the village of Llansilin, on the Oswestry to Llansilin Road (B4580) road.

Site description

Llansilin Rifle Range is a 400 yard (365 metre) 14 lane gallery range; it has a hill background with a Range Danger Area that extends over the crest of the Coed Cochion hill, which forms the back stop for the range. The River Cynlaith flows between the 100 metre firing point and the range stopbutt, the river marks the border between England and Wales.

Access opportunities

There is one public footpath that crosses the Range Danger Area. Public access is prohibited when the range is live, at which time the access gates are locked.

Further information

For further information, contact Nesscliff Training Camp on 01743 741607 (Monday to Friday only).

Manorbier Range

Location

Air Defence Range (ADR) Manorbier is located near the village of Manorbier, within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.

Site description

ADR Manorbier is the only range in mainland UK from where the High Velocity Missile, employed in the anti aircraft role, can be fired.

In addition to High Velocity Missile firings, which constitute the core business of the range, ADR Manorbier also plays host to the Air Warfare Centre who conduct a variety of aircraft related trials. Every effort is made to ensure that the inevitable low flying activity associated with these trials is kept to a minimum over the mainland.

Further information

Contact the Control Tower on 01834 870105 for information on when the range is active.

At all other times please phone 01834 870104 or 01834 871282. Or listen to the recorded message on 01834 870098.

See also Manorbier firing times and byelaws.

Pembrey Sands

Location

Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is located near the town of Kidwelly in South Wales

Site description

Pembrey Sands Air Weapons Range is primarily an air-to-ground bombing and strafing practice area.

Access restrictions

Do not enter the danger area when the range is in use.

Normal range firing times are:

Summer

9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday
9am to 2pm Fridays

Winter

9am to 4pm Monday to Thursday
9am to 2pm Fridays

Night firing can take place on an irregular basis. Other air and ground training activity does take place on the range outside these times including C130s landing on the beach, aircraft using the range targets but not firing weapons and various cadet organisations conducting exercises.

Further information

For further information about all firing and flying activities call: 01554 892 205. Low flying and air weapons activities.

Penally

Location

Penally Camp and Training Area are located near Tenby in South Wales

Site description

Penally Camp is located adjacent to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, while the Training Area falls within the National Park boundary.

The camp, and associated firing range, was established in 1860 to cater for an identified need for musketry training following the Crimean War. Extensive use of the accommodation and training facilities was also made during the First and Second World Wars, providing facilities for many British and Allied troops. Some of the original buildings are still in use.

Penally Training Camp’s classrooms and training facilities complement activities at both Manorbier and Templeton, and it administers the latter. Penally Training Camp is also used as a centre for many types of training, including adventurous training, and is the principal accommodation for units using Air Defence Range Manorbier.

Further information

For updated information on firing taking place on Penally Gallery Range phone 01834 845950.

Penally Gallery Range firing times.

Sennybridge Training Area

Location

Sennybridge Training Area lies near the county town of Brecon, in Mid Wales within the counties of Powys and Carmarthenshire.

Site description

Situated just outside the Brecon Beacon National Park to the northwest of the town of Brecon, Sennybridge Training Area covers an area of approximately 12,000 hectares (31,000 acres) of MOD freehold land and 2,500 hectares (6,000 acres) of land leased from National Recourses Wales.

Sennybridge Training Area hosts sophisticated live firing and dry training activities for light forces including artillery.

Sennybridge Training Area consists mainly of a flat upland plateau known locally as Mynydd Epynt. From this plateau there are spectacular views across to the Black Mountains, the Brecon Beacons, the Cambrian Mountains, and the Carmarthenshire Black Mountain.

The Epynt Way

Permission under byelaw 8(1) of the Sennybridge Training Area Byelaws 1974

The Officer in Charge of Sennybridge Training Area gives permission under Byelaw 8(1) of the Sennybridge Training Area Byelaws 1974 for members of the public:

(a) to use those parts of the Epynt Way that lie within the Danger Area, on either foot, horseback or cycle;

and

(b) for the purpose of enabling access to and from the Epynt Way, to follow the route of a public right of way shown on the plan subject to the same limitations as its status as a public right of way provides,

when the Danger Area is being used for a military purpose, and Byelaws 3(1)(a), (b ) and (c ) do not apply insofar as they are inconsistent with this permission.

Explanatory Note

The Epynt Way is a permissive route that lies within the Sennybridge Training Area. It has been provided by the MOD for the purpose of enabling the public to travel along all or part of its route on foot, or by riding a horse or a cycle, for open air recreation.

The route runs around the perimeter of the Training Area. However, parts of it lie within the boundary of the Danger Area which is closed to the public when the area is being used for a military purpose.

This permission is intended to enable the public to only use:

• the entirety of the Epynt Way as described on the accompanying plan and on the ground using signs and waymarker discs

• those public rights of way outside the Epynt Way that are closed under the Byelaws in order to gain access to the Epynt way but not beyond to further travel along PROW that enter the Danger Area even when the Danger Area is being used for a military purpose.

See more: Map of Sennybridge Training Area (PDF, 10.4 MB, 1 page).

Further information

For further information on firing times for Sennybridge phone Range Control on 01874 635599 or 07467 015206. You can also visit Sennybridge firing times.

Swynnerton Camp and Training Area

Location

Swynnerton Training Camp and Training Area is in North Staffordshire, 8 kilometres (5 miles) west of the town of Stone and near the villages of Eccleshall, Swynnerton and Yarnfield.

Site description

The Camp and Training Area are on the site of an old ammunition production factory from the Second World War. There is a comprehensive tarmac road system and a mix of old factory buildings and walkways running through the site, with open and wooded countryside and a lagoon in the south fed with surface drained water and from the river Meece in the west.

Further information

Queries should be addressed to the following contact numbers:
Training Safety Officer: 01785 763134
Operations room: 01874 635599 (24 hours)
Helpdesk: 0800 0223334 (24 hours)

Templeton Training Area

Location

Templeton Training Area is located to the west of Templeton village in the southwest of Pembrokeshire.

Site description

Templeton Training Area is a disused World War II airfield of approximately 164 hectares (404 acres). It is located approximately 25 minutes north of Penally training camp. Built in 1939, it has 3 intersecting runways and a network of taxiways that link into aircraft standing areas. The terrain is flat to undulating with a west to southwest aspect.

Training personnel, made up of regular and territorial soldiers as well as cadet units, extensively use Templeton Training Area for up to subunit dry training with the use of pyrotechnics authorised within designated areas. An army orienteering course has been set up and is widely used by visiting units. A bridging pit is available to engineering units.

Access opportunities

Public access is via 2 bridleways transversing the runways, which have been recently renovated to allow greater use by diverse organisations. The grassland is leased for grazing and there are several organisations who hold leases to enable other use of the area on stipulated occasions.

Further information

For further information about the usage of Templeton Training Area call the Penally Training Camp Administrative Officer on 01834 843522.