Salisbury Plain Training Area – February 2018 Newsletter

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 5000 followers. If you’d like to follow us go to: www.twitter.com/mod_dio

February 2018 Newsletter

After a quiet January, February sees a large increase in troop numbers across SPTA. The first 3 weeks sees Challenger 2 Squadrons and Warrior companies deployed conducting the new Battle Craft Syllabus (BCS) where units have to be in the field for 10 days every 3 months. The Royal School of Artillery and Land Warfare Centre are running phase 3 training courses with Armoured Ex Team Spirit and EX Combat Team deploying in the 2nd and 3rd weeks respectively. On most days there are over 30 separate units on the plain in any one day. 19 Feb to14 Mar sees the Field Training Unit running Exercise WESSEX STORM for light protective mobility infantry role which will use extensive areas across the Plain. The public should be aware that tank crossings and bridge crossings over the A360, A345, A338, B390, and the C22 (Tilshead to Chitterne) roads will be very busy and if conditions are wet mud clearance parties will be working on the crossings. Notice is also given that the training areas in the Copehill Down and Bourne Valley (SPTA East) areas will be heavily used over this period and that recreational use of the Salisbury Plain military lands in these areas are to be restricted to public rights of way only as per the byelaws.

Please report all concerns to the Complaints Help Desk on 01980 620819 in the first instance.

Monthly Live Firing Calendar for February 2018 (Subject to Change)
1. Artillery live firing days from Areas 6, 7 & 8 (East of Chitterne):
Nil
2. Artillery live firing days from Salisbury Plain (EAST) (North of Bulford & West of Tidworth):
Nil
3. Late firing days on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area (North of Larkhill):
01, 06, 08, 10, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27
4. Non-firing days on days on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area (North of Larkhill):
03, 04, 17, 18
5. Non-firing days on Bulford fixed firing ranges:
03, 04, 17, 18, 24, 25
6. Late Firing on Imber Ranges, Areas 1, 2, 3, 4 (East of Warminster)
Nil
Notes:
Nil

Governance – Prohibited Activities
3. (1) Without prejudice to the provisions of byelaw 2, no person when on the Military  Lands shall except with the prior permission of the MoD and in accordance with the terms of such permission.
(c) ride a horse, bicycle or tricycle or ride, drive or propel a vehicle of any kind otherwise  than on the carriageway of a road suitably constructed and made up for general use by vehicular traffic;
(h) damage, cut or remove grass, turves, growing crops, shrubs, trees, timber, wildflower  roots or humus;
(l) damage, spoil, deface, interfere with or remove any building, wall, fence, gate, post,  cattle grid, store, equipment or ammunition;
In simple terms: ‘off-roading’, (including moto-cross bikes and 4×4 vehicles) other than on  public and permissive carriageways is a criminal offence. Removing logs, flowers, trees and shrubs is illegal, and do not pick up or remove any military debris, or military  infrastructure. Vandalism of any kind is anti-social and illegal.

Byelaw Governance – Antisocial Behaviour
Parish members are encouraged to report all illegal activity on Salisbury to the Wiltshire Police. If serious crime is experienced the 999 should be dialled, and for all other reports including: illegal off-roading, illegal motor biking, drone use, poaching, hare coursing, petty theft, camping on MoD land, kite flying please call 101 and list the call as ‘antisocial behaviour’ and a Byelaw violation. Once reported please inform Range control on the Plainwatch number: 01980 674700 or email PLAINWATCH@landmarc.mod.uk.

Access
Access to SPTA is regulated by Salisbury Plain Military Lands, Bulford, Larkhill and Imber Range Byelaws. Always comply with local signs and flags. Rights of way in Range Danger Areas are closed when red flags are flying.
This Newsletter is published up to 6 weeks before the event and changes may occur. Access timings for the next week can be found on the SPTA Walks Line: (01980) 674763.
Imber Ranges. The public are excluded at all times, except when the roads are specifically opened. Planned opening dates for 2018 are as follows:
Event Open Closed
Easter 1800hrs Thur 29 Mar 18 0800hrs Tue 03 Apr 18
Summer TBC TBC

A leaflet on public access to Imber is available online and should be read in advance of any visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/435909/Imber_A5_Leaflet-final_Online_version.pdf

Note. Dates may change if operational training needs dictate.

What Can You Do To Reduce Crime On Salisbury Plain?
If any crime is taking place call 999, (or 101) and do not under any circumstances challenge the offenders.

Health and Safety reminder for all Military Training Areas and Ranges:
– Do not touch or tamper with Military debris.
– Wash your hands before you eat.
– Clean your footwear before you enter your car or home.
Ewan R Smith
Major (Training Safety Officer)
for
Senior Training Safety Officer Salisbury Plain