Temporary Closure of MOD Land

Published: 04 March 2025

There will be a large Military exercise, involving vehicles and troops, taking place on area B4 (/_UserFiles/Files/MOD Land.pdf) from Monday 10 March 2025 to Tuesday 25 March 2025.

This means the area will be closed to the public for the duration of this period.

Public safety message:

As part of Respect the Range, a campaign designed to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of the risks to personal safety when accessing military land.

Risks to public safety can include live firing, unexploded ordnance (UXO), pyrotechnics and fast-moving military vehicles.

MOD land is primarily used for military training, and although visitors are welcome, the key take-away from the campaign is that you should only access MOD land when and where it is safe to do so.

Safety remains the MOD’s top priority and two key risks that the MOD is specifically keen to highlight are the danger from UXO and risk to life when entering areas where live firing and military training are taking place.

Dean Howard, the Security and Public Access Manager (SE) said:

“MOD land is a popular destination for members of the public using the Defence Training Estate for open air recreation, we’d like to remind the public of the potential risks, as well as the actions they can take to keep themselves safe.

The areas are some of the most beautiful parts of Hampshire / Surrey. All users are asked to observe and comply with the safety signs and remain in the designated areas and on marked, cleared paths.

When military training is taking place, there could be a risk to the public from live fire. Red boundary flags are flown when live firing is taking place, and we ask that people don’t access the Range unless the permissive paths are open. We also ask that people don’t pick up anything that they may see or find, but that instead they report it.

If we all work together to use these spaces with respect and consideration, the public will stay safe, and our Armed Forces will be protected during their important training exercises.”

To ensure the public stay safe and protected while using military land, the MOD is encouraging all visitors to:

· Always check training and live firing times before they travel;

· Observe safety information including red flags, Locked Gates, fences, signs and byelaws;

· Stick to public rights of way such as footpaths and bridleways, and permissive paths.

· Always keep dogs under control and in sight, and remember to pick up after them;

· Report military debris for safe disposal; DO NOT touch it.

Local people and visitors who are planning to visit the area are urged to make sure they follow the MOD’s guidance to keep themselves and their loved ones safe: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.