The MoD has issued a warning to the public after hundreds of incursions on military training land in Wiltshire.
Between September 2022 and August 2023, there were over 700 incidents of members of the public straying into parts of the Salisbury Plain training estate when and where they shouldn’t have been.
A significant number of these incidents resulted in “near misses”, where there was an increased risk to life or a risk of somebody being injured.
Risks to public safety when accessing military land include live firing, unexploded ordnance (UXO), pyrotechnics and fast-moving military vehicles.
Across the summer holidays, the MoD is reminding residents and visitors to the Salisbury Plain, which at 94,000 acres is the UK’s largest army training area, to take extra care in the area.
The land hosts a range of woodlands and attractions and visitors are welcome, but they must only access MoD land when it is safe to do so.
This push to encourage people to stay safe on the Salisbury Plain comes as part of the Respect the Range campaign.
Col Andy Hough, the DIO's Regional Commander for the South West said: “Salisbury Plain is one of the most stunning parts of Wiltshire.
“Members of the public are asked to observe and comply with the safety signs and remain in the designated areas and on marked, cleared paths.”
Col Hough emphasised the importance of being aware of the risk of live fire.
He added: “When military training is taking place, there could be a risk to the public from live fire.
“Red boundary flags are flown when live firing is taking place, and we ask that people don't access the range unless the permissive paths are open.
“We ask that people don't pick up anything that they may see or find, but that instead they report it.
“If we all work together to use these spaces with respect and consideration, the public will stay safe, and our Armed Forces will be protected during their important training exercises.”
The MoD has also urged the public to report any fly-tipping on Salisbury Plain and avoid lighting fires or BBQs.
Anybody who reports a fly-tip could receive a £200 gift voucher if their information leads to prosecution.
All visitors to the area should check training and live firing times, observe safety information like red flags, keep dogs under control, and report military debris for safe disposal rather than touching it.
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