MOD urges public to stay safe at Lulworth Ranges this summer

The Lulworth Ranges, located between Wareham and Lulworth, is a live firing area and one of the busiest military training areas in the UK.

The South West Coastal Path runs through the Ranges which, due to its stunning location, attracts many visitors and local people.

The MOD are warning the public of two key dangers; unexploded ordnance and risk to life when entering areas where live military firing and training are taking place. Fast moving military vehicles are another potential hazard.

A soldier taking part in military training at Lulworth Ranges (Image: MOD)

Col Andy Hough, the DIO's Regional Commander for the South West of England said:  “With the summer holidays upon us, it’s a key time to remind the public of the potential risks when accessing Lulworth Ranges, as well as the actions they can take to keep themselves safe. 

“Lulworth is one of the most picturesque parts of the Dorset coast. Members of the public 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 at Lulworth at all times, and we ask that people don’t access the Range unless the permissive paths are open. We ask that people don’t stray from these paths or 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.”

Lulworth Ranges (Image: MOD)

This public safety message comes 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. 

The Lulworth Ranges have been a training area for more than 100 years and it’s not uncommon for legacy munitions to wash up on the beaches as well as blind pyrotechnics such as flares and smoke grenades, which are still potentially dangerous. 

When the Ranges are live, if members of the public ignore the signs and flags they could enter areas where military training is taking place and where live ammunition could be a hazard.
  
The risk of wildfire at this time of the year is also higher, and the public is reminded that fires should not be lit or BBQ’s used on MOD land.

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

The MOD is encouraging visitors to:

• Always check training and live firing times before they travel; 
• Stick to the permissive Range Trails and Coast Path;
• Observe safety information including red flags, fences, signs and by-laws while on military land;
• Report military debris for safe disposal; don’t touch it.