News

Jun 03, 2023

Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) newsletter: June 2023

Updated 31 May 2023 © Crown copyright 2023 This publication is licensed

Updated 31 May 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected].

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter-june-2023

The DIO runs a Twitter account for news and updates on the Salisbury Plain Training Area using the Twitter hashtag #modontheplain. This account now has over 7000 followers. If you would like to follow us, go to www.twitter.com/mod_dio

June will see a large deployment of wheeled vehicles across the estate as various units prepare and are tested for their operational roles. A number of smaller units will deploy to hone their basic skills both on foot and mounted in their various platforms.

Please keep your dogs on a lead on SPTA between 1 March and 31 July if not on a public right of way (PROW).

With nesting season upon us out on Salisbury Plain, please access the guidance leaflet:

Your Dog and You on MOD land

To create a level of realism for our Armed Forces’ training, bunds of rubble have been put in pre-determined locations within Imber Village to replicate an urban area under conflict. The bunds replicate building damage caused by projectile strikes and they have been added to improve training delivery.

A reminder that the public are not allowed to enter past the red line in SPTA West. There has been an increase in the public being found inside the red line, they have no authority to be there, whether the flags are flying or not. On the ground, that red line is denoted by signs informing the public of the danger and to keep out.

The Headquarters of Salisbury Plain Training Area now has a Facebook page and a Twitter account:

Facebook

Twitter account @HQSPTA

We encourage estate users to report illegal activity. Call 999 for emergencies, but for other suspected illegal activity on Salisbury Plain Training Area, contact the Ministry of Defence Police on 01371 854444. A detachment is permanently based on Salisbury Plain and will respond.

Defence Infrastructure Organisation

There are two Defence Infrastructure Organisation blogs that relate to keeping safe whilst legally using the Military Lands on Salisbury Plain, please take the time to read them:

How to risk your life on the military training estate

Six ridiculous excuses for risking your life on the training estate

1. Artillery live firing days from areas 6, 7 and 8 (east of Chitterne):

Nil

2. Artillery live firing days on Salisbury plain (east) (north of Bulford & west of Tidworth):

Nil

3. Night firing days on Larkhill/Westdown danger area (north of Larkhill):

01, 06, 08, 10, 13, 15, 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30

4. Non-firing days on Larkhill/Westdown danger area:

03, 04, 17, 18, 24, 25

5. Non-firing days on Bulford fixed firing ranges:

03, 04, 17, 24, 25,

6. Non-firing days on Warminster fixed firing ranges:

03, 04, 10, 11,

7. Night firing days on Imber ranges, areas 1, 2, 3, 4 (east of Warminster)

Nil

Range opening times for the dates above (subject to short notice changes)

Monday 0900 – 1700

Tuesday 0900 – 2330

Wednesday 0900 – 1700

Thursday 0900 – 2330

Friday 0900 – 1700

Saturday 0900 – 2330

Sunday 0900 – 1300

Parish members are encouraged to report all illegal activity on Salisbury Plain including illegal off-roading, illegal motor biking, drone use, poaching, hare coursing, petty theft, camping on MOD land and kite flying to the Ministry of Defence Police on 01371 854444. In the case of serious crime, dial 999.

Salisbury Plain Military Lands, Bulford, Larkhill and Imber Range Byelaws regulate access to SPTA. Always comply with local signs and flags. Rights of way in Range Danger Areas are closed when red flags are flying or when the signage restricts unauthorised access. This newsletter is published up to 6 weeks before the event and changes may occur. Access timings for the following week can be found on the SPTA Walks Line: (01980) 674763. MOD Byelaws Wiltshire

The MDP has issued numerous Fines for illegal off-roading, no MoT, no or non-compliant number plates and have seized vehicles for being used on the Byways whilst Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) and or uninsured. Several warning markers were placed on individuals under Section 59 of The Police Reform Act and the riders/drivers reported for prosecution for careless driving and illegal off-roading (multiple motorcyclists were caught by the MDP riding around SPTA Centre when the Red Flags were flying and fined accordingly). Users are reminded that their vehicles must have valid insurance, Vehicle Excise License (VEL) and where applicable a MOT. Please note the Cross Country Driving Area (CCDA) is completely out of bounds to civilian vehicles as are the various Plantations. Please stay on the vehicular public rights of way.

We are seeing an increase in criminal activity on the Plain in the form of hare soursing, daytime poaching and the other offences that seem to accompany the offenders (criminal damage, farm theft and public order offences). As such expect to see a higher police presence on the Plain during the early mornings and evenings. The MOD Police, alongside Wiltshire Police, Drone Units and the local dog wardens, will be carrying out night-time operations targeting such activity in the coming weeks. Three offenders who had travelled from South Wales to carry out such offences were caught by the MDP and subsequently fined and given a criminal record in Swindon Magistrates Court.

Extra patrols will be carried out in and around the C CROSSING, GUNVILLE WEIR and FIGHELDEAN MILL areas of SPTA as the weather improves. These areas have been hotspots for anti-social behaviour and drug use over previous years.

There have been numerous reports of wildlife being killed by ball bearings fired by catapults. This has mainly been occurring in the Perham Down area. Anyone who witnesses this occurring is requested to call 999 to report a crime in progress.

We would also like to remind dog walkers and other people taking advantage of the permissive access on the Plain that they must park within 15 yards of the public highways. We have had numerous reports of persons parking and driving contrary to Sect 34 of The Road Traffic Act 1988 and causing obstructions and annoyance to Tenant Farmers carrying out their activities and driving, cycling, riding horses and walking amongst exercising troops.

Please take note of and read the Military Bylaw signs on the entrances to the Plain.

The MDP can be contacted on 01980 674955 (when in the station) or via the Range Ops room on 01980 674951 and on [email protected].

Please report any incidents or crimes to the MDP control room 24hrs on 01436 655768.

Please act responsibly on Salisbury Plain and follow the Government guidelines.

In an emergency always, call 999.

Twitter: twitter.com/MOD Police

Facebook: ministryofdefencepolice

Website: mod.police.uk

Health and Safety reminder for ALL Military Training Areas and Ranges: