Extracts from Defence Estates News May 2006

Following a quiet month in April, May is set to be much busier with a mechanised battle group training for the first three weeks, which includes numerous other training exercises going on around it.  The last two weeks will see different units training at company/squadron level in preparation for unit level pre-operational training later on in the summer.

Parachute dropping is scheduled to take place on Everleigh during normal working hours on most weekdays.  Dates and approximate times are as follows:

Everleigh DZ (C130)
02. 2100-2200
05. 2215-2315
10. 0100-0200
12. 2115-2315
13. 0100-0200
15. 2315-0015
19. 2015-2315

In answer to a number of queries regarding new signage in place around the perimeter of the impact area, the signs are precisely in line with Byelaws and coincide with the Definitive Map retained and maintained by Wiltshire County Council. People wishing to use the MOD estate for recreational purposes should in the first instance refer to the Ordnance Survey Explorer Series 13O (for the centre) map to ensure their safety from unexploded munitions.

Normal live firing takes place from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily, but may continue throughout the night; this is normally on Tuesday and Thursday only.  Noise may be greater in certain areas depending upon the meteorological conditions at the time of firing.

When horse riding in a low flying military area, riders should use the Bridleways and PROW where they can be seen easily.  Riders should wear high visibility clothing, which will significantly improve a pilot’s visual detection range and thus initiate avoidance procedures. 

Conservation - the early butterflies such as the Grizzled Skipper and Dingy Skipper are often abundant early this month in the rough grassland and wherever there is a scrub, you are likely to encounter Green Hairstreaks.  The Plain is very important for March Fritillary butterflies which will be on the wing later in the monthly with the Impact Area holding the largest population in the UK.
Many of the important birds of the Plain such as Skylarks, Lapwing and Stone Curlew are ground nesters, therefore dog walkers are asked to avoid disturbing these by keeping dogs under close control.

Deer - birthing takes place towards the end of May and early June.  This is an extremely vulnerable period for the young. If walkers come across them, the animals will remain still, however be assured that they have not been abandoned and their mother is most likely watching from cover nearby.  Loose uncontrolled dogs at this time can cause great distress to the young deer and therefore owners are asked to keep them under control.

ATE Joins Defence Estates - as part of the MOD’s drive for greater efficiency, the Army Training Estate (ATE) has merged with Defence Estates (DE) to form a new division of DE Operations called Defence Training Estate (DTE).  The new organisation has taken responsibility for existing ATE Facilities and for additional rural estate that is held by Services (Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force).

Questions and complaints to Headquarters Salisbury Plain Training Area, Westdown Camp, Tilshead, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4RS or telephone 01980 620819.

Click here to visit Defence Estates website.