Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) newsletter: December 2025
Updated 28 November 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter/salisbury-plain-training-area-spta-newsletter-december-2025
1. December 2025
December will see all military training activity finished by 19th December 2025.
2. All persons using Salisbury Plain Training Area
The public can roam or walk their dogs anywhere on the training area, outside the restricted areas, denoted by flags and signs. In addition, the public should stay clear of military training, for theirs and the soldier’s own safety.
Policy dictates that a copy of the local Byelaws is posted at all major entrances to the training estate for public perusal. For safety reasons, the Byelaws state that the public cannot “enter any plantation of trees”. Troops training occupy wooded areas and defend them where appropriate using razor wire or low wire entanglements. It is in the public’s best interest to stay out of wooded areas.
3. Useful information
The Headquarters of Salisbury Plain Training Area now has a Facebook page. Please join and follow us.
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 Control Centre on 0300 1232101.
There are several Defence Infrastructure Organisation blogs that relate to keeping safe while legally using the military lands on Salisbury Plain, please take the time to read them:
https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/2018/04/19/how-to-risk-your-life-on-the-military-training-estate/
4. Firing times
The monthly firing calendar is always available online, alongside other useful information. Please note that this is subject to late changes. The December 2025 firing times are now online.
Red flags may be left up during non-live firing times for public safety due to large exercises taking place. All flags and signs are to be adhered to regardless of advertised times.
5. The flying of red flags
The flying of red flags is to inform the general public, as well as military range users, that live firing is taking place. On occasions, it is pertinent for flags to remain flying for major military exercises, even during periods where no live firing is taking place, to ensure there is no encroachment and for the safety of the general public.
During busy periods of activity, the Plain can be filled with large amounts of fast-moving heavy armour that can appear from wood blocks and tracks with little or no warning. For this reason, red flags are to be adhered to at all times, even when their display does not match up with live firing times that are published on the Government website and this newsletter. Red flags are never left up in error.
Red flags in the west of the Plain will remain flying at all times and should always be obeyed. Even though you cannot hear any live firing, it can still be taking place. Although there are no red flags flown in the eastern section of SPTA, all users are to be aware of exercising troops and military vehicles and ensure they remain a safe distance from any training.
6. Accessing SPTA safely
Accessing MOD land carries risks to your personal safety. Our Respect the Range guidance sets out simple steps you can take when visiting SPTA to help keep you and our armed forces safe:
- Look out for red flags – used to indicate live firing is taking place
- Check armed forces training and firing times before visiting
- Pay attention to signage, information displays and red flags
- Stick to public footpaths, bridleways and byways
- Do not touch any military debris – report its location for safe disposal.
The MOD is the custodian of some of the most dramatic landscapes and coastlines in the UK, including SPTA. Much of this land is accessible to the public, but the spaces are used for essential military training. Have you checked the local area?
The MOD encourages you to discover SPTA, however it’s important that you only access the land when and where it is safe to do so. This changes from hour to hour, so always check before visiting and be aware of the live indicators (flags, lights, signage and information displays).
Our armed forces train year-round, at all times of the day. High-paced tactical training exercises often include the use of armoured vehicles, artillery and Defence personnel. Just because you can’t hear or see the training doesn’t mean it’s not taking place. In recent years, more and more people are putting themselves at risk by accessing the land while the armed forces carry out training.
Your safety is our top priority. Help us keep you safe by following Respect the Range guidance.
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. Please ensure you are familiar with the MOD Byelaws Wiltshire.
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.
7. Bridges at A, B & C crossings
The bridges at A, B & C crossing are Permissive Byways and are maintained by the MOD. A Permissive Byway can be closed by the MOD, without notification, at any time.
The bridges have a 5mph speed limit, due to the nature of their construction, so we ask the public to comply with the speed limit. If vehicles travel too fast across the bridges, parts of the construction are disturbed and eventually the bridge needs to be closed for repair. It is in the best interests of both the public and the military to comply with the speed limit.
8. Byelaw governance – antisocial behaviour
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 Control Centre on 0300 1232101. If a serious crime is experienced 999 should be dialled.