WITH the summer holiday season well underway the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is urging holidaymakers and locals to take extra care when visiting Saunton Sands beach, an area in North Devon that is used by the military when training takes place at Braunton Burrows Training Area (BBTA). 

A team from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which is part of the MOD, spent a day at Saunton Sands beach to remind people of the dangers associated with accessing military training areas.

The team spoke to the public and gave advice about how to stay safe when accessing the beach and nearby MOD training estate, as well as military land more broadly.   

BBTA, steeped in military history since WW2, is nestled on the peninsula to the south west of Braunton, North Devon, with Barnstaple and Bideford Bay to the west, the Taw and Torridge Estuary to the south and east and close to the Braunton Marshes.  

The site is a complex dune system and beach, owned and managed by the Christie’s Devon Estates, which is licensed by the MOD to conduct dismounted, vehicle, sea and aviation training.    

BBTA is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation Biosphere Reserve and Special Area of Conservation, and forms part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Because of its stunning location on the North Devon coast, it attracts many visitors and local people. 

This public safety message is 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, aircraft and boats. 

Land licensed or owned by the MOD is primarily used for military training, and although visitors are welcome, the key lesson 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, although Braunton Burrows is not an area used for live firing exercises - only blank ammunition is used - the MOD is keen to highlight the specific risks at Saunton Sands including, the impact of unexpected loud noises, which may scare animals, unexpected close contact with tactical military training, and the danger from UXO.  

Colonel Andy Hough, the DIO’s Regional Commander for the South West of England said: “With the summer holidays upon us, it is a key time to remind the public of the potential risks when accessing Braunton Burrows Training Area and the nearby Saunton Sands beach, as well as the actions they can take to keep themselves safe.   

“The scenery and beaches surrounding Braunton Burrows Training Area are beautiful. 

“Members of the public are asked to observe and comply with the appropriate signage that warns that military training may be taking place. 

“There are no access restrictions around the training area, however, where appropriate the military or MOD representatives will employ sentries and guides to ensure public safety.

“The public can access the site from numerous points and paths, and we would ask that they remain mindful of the fact that military training could be taking place. 

“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.”  

The MOD is also asking members of the public to always keep their dogs under control, and to remember to pick up after them.    

There are multiple training areas spread across the UK. To ensure the public stay safe and protected while using military land, the MOD is encouraging visitors to:  

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

• Stick to public access paths, bridleways and byways;  

• Observe safety information including red flags, fences, signs and by-laws while on military land; 

• Report military debris for safe disposal.  

Local people and holidaymakers who are planning to be out and about over the coming weeks, are urged to make sure they follow the MOD’s guidance to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/safe-access  .