Guidance

Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) newsletter: June 2025

Updated 3 June 2025

June 2025

June will see EX WESSEX STORM on the Plain with a live fire exercise in the west, pushing all other users to the centre and the east. On completion of the live fire package, the exercise will be sweeping across the area in a free play exercise, both day and night. The training schools will be out preparing the future commanders for their role in defence.

Business dog walkers without a licence on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA).

Business dog walkers without a licence for SPTA, are to remain on Public Rights Of Way, which is in accordance with the byelaws. If a business dog walker does not comply with the byelaws and there is an incident, their insurance will not apply since they were breaking the law at the time of the incident. Business dog walkers can apply for a licence which gives them authority to conduct a business on MOD land, through Landmarc Support Services - call the 24hr Ops Room for details.

Useful information

The Headquarters of Salisbury Plain Training Area now has a Facebook page and an X (formerly Twitter) account:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HQSalisburyPlainTrainingArea/

X - @HQSPTA

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 on 01371 854444. A detachment is permanently based on Salisbury Plain and will respond.

Related information: Gov.uk/DIO

There are several 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 - the links can be found below:

https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/2018/04/19/how-to-risk-your-life-on-the-military-training-estate/

https://insidedio.blog.gov.uk/2018/04/24/six-ridiculous-excuses-for-risking-your-life-on-the-training-estate/

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.

Important information

Salisbury Plain Training Area has no dedicated live firing times. Members of the public are reminded NOT to access the byways when the RED FLAGS are flying and the danger - live firing or no public entry signs are displayed.

Members of the public are reminded when on land subject to the Salisbury Plain Military Lands Byelaws 1981 (S.I.1981/1982) under Byelaw 5 it is an offence to fail to comply with the provisions of Byelaw 3, in that it is an offence to use a motor vehicle other than on a Byway Open to All Traffic (BOAT) or Permissive BOAT. Under section 3(1(c)) no person may “ride a horse, bicycle or tricycle or ride, drive or propel a motor vehicle of any kind, otherwise than on the carriageway or a road suitably constructed and made up for general use by vehicular traffic.” To do so may result in a Warning Off, whereby you will be asked to leave the Training Area and a s59 (of the Police Reform Act 2002) warning letter issued or a fine being issued.

The flying of red flags

It is well known that on SPTA, 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 no encroachment and 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.

Monthly firing calendar for June 2025 (subject to late changes)

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.

Artillery live firing days from areas 6, 7 and 8 (East of Chitterne): NIL

Artillery live firing days on Salisbury Plain (East) (North of Bulford & West of Tidworth): NIL

Live firing days on Larkhill/Westdown danger area (North of Larkhill): 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Non-firing days on Larkhill/Westdown danger area: 01, 07, 08, 14, 15, 21, 22

Non-firing days on Bulford fixed firing ranges: 01, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

Non-firing days on Warminster fixed firing ranges: 01, 06, 07, 08, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

Live firing days on Imber ranges, areas 1, 2, 3, 4 (East of Warminster) 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08

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

• Monday: 9am – 11.30pm
• Tuesday: 9am - 11.30pm
• Wednesday: 9am – 11.30pm
• Thursday: 9am - 11.30pm
• Friday: 9am – 11.30pm
• Saturday: 9am - 11.30pm
• Sunday: 9am – 11.30pm

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 on 01371 854444. If a serious crime is experienced 999 should be dialled.

Access

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

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