Salisbury Plain Training Area Newsletter June 2016
www.gov.uk/government/publications/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter
This Newsletter can be found at the above link
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June 2016 Newsletter
June on the Plain will see a steady level of armoured and light role training throughout the month culminating in Exercise WESSEX STORM. Locally based Tidworth and Bulford armoured, armoured infantry, artillery and mechanised infantry units will conduct low level collective training across the whole of the Plain which will include live firing on the Larkhill artillery ranges.

3 Commando Brigade will deploy their Viking Armoured Support Group to Salisbury Plain in the first two weeks of the month to complete low level training.

The second week of June will see the Armoured and Armoured Infantry courses from the Land Warfare Centre conducting their initial tactical training on exercise COMBAT TEAM followed by their final exercise TEAM SPIRIT in the third week of June.

Both exercises will use the Imber and Larkhill ranges.

The last week of June will see the Field Training Unit training the Scots Dragoon Guards in their light cavalry role using the Army Weapons Effect Simulation system on Exercise WESSEX STORM.

NOTICE – BYLAW ENFORCEMENT UPDATE
The Wilts Police conducted a routine enforcement patrol over the weekend 7th & 8th May 2016 with the following results;
Saturday proved to be quite a successful day as a quad bike was seized from a male who had travelled from the west midlands with two other males, the male was reported for no licence, tax insurance, mot.
Various groups of off roaders, some legal but a large proportion appeared to be riding machines without plates and lights – these individuals were deterred from the training area.
Sunday was much the same with lots of legal m/cyclist,4×4 drivers spoken to and a group from Southampton who had just arrived moved off the plain as they only had motto crossers; these were sent away.

Use of Civilian Drones, UAVs and Model Aircrafts on SPTA.
SPTA airspace is heavily used by military aircraft and UAVs and no unauthorised use of its airspace is to take place under any circumstances. Over the last three months we have encountered unauthorised flying by a paramotorist in the area between Shrewton and Tilshead, an individual flying a hang-glider over the impact area in the centre of Salisbury Plain and an individual flying his/her UAV in the area between Tilshead and Warminster; all
three actions break the Salisbury Plain Military Byelaws 1981 and could have resulted in loss of life.
Every effort is being made to ensure that these occurrences are not repeated in the future.

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
Information about low flying is available from the MOD Low Flying Advisory Service (0845 600 7580) or on line at www.gov.uk/low-flying-in-your-area .

MONTHLY FIRING CALENDAR FOR JUNE 2016 (Subject to Change)
Artillery Live Firing Days from Areas 6, 7 & 8: 10th, 11 & 13th June 2016
Artillery Live Firing days on Salisbury Plain (East): 14th June 2016
Late firing on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area: 02nd, 07th, 09th, 11th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 28th & 30th June 2016
Non-firing days on Larkhill/Westdown Danger Area: 04th, 05th & 26th June 2016
Non firing days on Bulford Ranges: 04th, 05th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th June 2016
Note:
Complaints/Enquiries should be made to 01980 620819.
NOISE MANAGEMENT
General.

The MoD takes all complaints very seriously and do much to mitigate where possible. Most complaints from members of the public from around Salisbury Plain Training Area are concerning impulse noise generated from the detonation of the 155mm High Explosive shell, and gun noise from the AS90 artillery weapon system.
Noise Limits.

All ranges have been directed to ensure that no impulse noise greater than 130dB is heard outside the range boundary in populated areas or on main routes.
Noise Prediction. Gunfire noise is predicted using the Gunfire Noise Analysis Tool (GNAT) and traces from the Met Office Noise Evaluation Tool (MONET) at Larkhill Met Office.
Noise Measurement.

Range Operations monitors noise from both the guns and the impact area using fixed microphones linked to the Gunfire Noise Assessment Tool (GNAT) computer in Westdown Camp and staff may deploy with hand-held noise monitors.

Countering Excessive Noise.

In the event that the 130dB limit could be exceeded, Range Operations have a number of control measures that can be activated to ensure the requirement is adhered to; including stopping firing.

Upcoming Major Exercises. During large exercises, access may be restricted on Larkhill Ranges and in the Chitterne – Shrewton – Tilshead Triangle north of the B390.
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) 67 4763.
Imber Ranges. The public are excluded except when the roads are specifically opened.

Planned open dates for 2016 are as follows:
Event Open Closed
Summer 1800hrs Fri 12 Aug 16 0800hrs Mon 5 Sep 16
Remembrance Sunday 1800hrs Fri 11 Nov 16 0800hrs Mon 14 Nov 16

1. Even when roads are open the village and buildings remain out of bounds to the public.
2. 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.
Report suspicious activity to PLAINWATCH (01980 674700) or PLAINWATCH@landmarc.mod.uk. The more information received the better, e.g. time, place, vehicle registration, description of individuals and vehicles.

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.

Tony Broadbent
WO2 (SMIG)
for
Senior Training Safety Officer Salisbury Plain