As the weather starts to warm up, and the half-term holidays approach, the MOD is reminding visitors to take extra care and check military firing times to keep themselves safe while accessing Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA).

This message comes as part of Respect the Range, a campaign designed to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of the risks to personal safety when using military land. Risks include live firing, unexploded ordnance, pyrotechnics and fast-moving military vehicles.

As military training continues at pace across the country, the MOD continues to increase awareness of these risks, paying particular attention to day-trippers and locals heading to British natural beauty hotspots over half term.

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There are multiple training areas spread across the UK. However, this part of the campaign specifically targets Salisbury Plain, Aldershot, Catterick, Donna Nook, Barry Buddon, Longmoor, Lulworth and Holbeach.

To ensure the public stay safe and protected while using military land, the MOD is encouraging visitors to:

• Always check training and live firing times before they travel;

• Stick to public access paths;

• Observe safety information including red flags, fences, signs and by-laws while on military land.  

Lieutenant Colonel Vance Worsley, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) Commandant and Senior Training Officer for SPTA, said: “Our military training estates can go from tranquil to treacherous at any point. With the half-term holidays looming, it’s a key time for the public to be aware of the potential risks when accessing SPTA, as well as actions they can take to keep both themselves and our troops safe.

“SPTA is one of the most picturesque parts of the British countryside. Visitors are welcome, but we ask that people only access the site when and where it is safe to do so. We are reminding people not to cross into areas that are prohibited, to stick to public paths and always check live firing times before visiting.

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“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.”

If you’re planning some time out and about with the family over the coming weeks, make sure to follow the MOD’s guidance to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe.

Military firing times for the Salisbury Plains Training Area can be found here, while firing times for other areas across the UK can be found here.